Southampton’s new arts complex will be a stunning contemporary arts space with outstanding facilities for performance, visual arts, film and digital media, forming a major part of a new development on the eastern side of the Cultural Quarter, fronting onto Guildhall Square.
 
These flexible spaces will transform Southampton’s ability to show a whole range of contemporary performing and visual arts. This will enable the city to attract new and exciting work from national and international artists; and to develop programmes for participation, especially by younger people. The arts complex will be a hub for contemporary cultural activity, at the heart of the Cultural Quarter.
 
It will be a new home for:
 

• John Hansard Gallery: a new city centre space for this nationally renowned contemporary gallery (currently based on the University of Southampton campus). Working closely with the City Art Gallery and others, the Gallery will continue to develop internationally acclaimed art exhibitions.

• City Eye: a community-focused video and film resource that provides unique opportunities for people across the region to become involved in the medium.

• Flexible performance spaces: two multi-purpose performance spaces will host more intimate theatre, dance, musical, choral and cinematic events.

This dynamic mix of contemporary arts will draw significant new audiences into the area. Internationally acclaimed art exhibitions, inspirational and entertaining performing arts and outstanding resources for film-makers will provide new creative opportunities for everyone across the city, the region and beyond.
 
Funding
The arts complex is planned for completion in 2015.  With 90% of the £21m project cost already in place through support from Arts Council England, Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton and SEEDA, the Trust aims to raise the remaining £2.1m from grant-making organisations, individuals, business, and educational institutions.
 

Arts Complex Page at Southampton City Council