The arts organisation a space supports emerging artistic talent and enables the development of sustainable careers within the arts. We endeavour to build the reputations of early career artists through encouraging the creation and exhibition of new works. Our exhibitions also supply the public with an alternative visual arts programme, not dominated by established names. The organisation delivers its objectives through a growing infrastructure, which currently consists of three major project platforms: the Bargate Monument Gallery, ArtVaults and the Arches studio complex

ArtVaults

ArtVaults has grown over four summer seasons through exhibiting contemporary works of art by emerging artists, across the medieval vaults of Southampton’s old town. ArtVaults is a free and popular event, with over 69,000 visitors enjoying the opportunity to explore Southampton’s heritage and to discover new works of art.

ArtVaults has successfully grown through the support of corporate sponsorship and we would like to take the opportunity to thank INEOS, the projects’ principal supporters in 2007 and 2008, as without their vision and investment the event would not have flourished. We would also like to extend our gratitude to FOSMAG, Southampton City Council and Arts & Business who have also supported the project.

There is now an opportunity for a new sponsor to benefit from this unique and intriguing project as ArtVaults is on the brink of gaining national recognition. If you or your company are interested in reaching thousands of people and delivering a business objective, be that raising profile, staff development or brand awareness, please contact the arts organisation a space for further details of the opportunities available.

ArtVaults will take a breather this summer as the organisation develops new projects and crucially seeks a new corporate partner. We look forward to relaunching the project in 2010 once again animating Southampton’s medieval underground through contemporary art.

Please visit www.artvaults.org.uk for further information about the vaults & installations.

The Arches studios

The Arches studios gives emerging artists a base from which they can develop and grow their practices, whilst also providing Southampton with a new cultural dynamic; one of assisting creative talents at a grass roots level.

Through invaluable funding from the Southampton Partnership and SEEDA, alongside support from Southampton City Council, the Arches studios project was born in 2004. The catalyst for this came from the city’s awareness that support was required to assist Southampton’s creative talent. By converting old storage arches under the historic Central Bridge an affordable and supportive environment has been created.

In February 2005 Arch 10 opened offering seven spaces, closely followed by Arch 8 in September, offering a further nine. The sites have since been expanded across Arches 7 and 4 to now offer space for 23 residents, alongside a high quality, hireable workshop.

The conversion and establishment of the Arches contributes to the city’s creative economy and marks a significant turning point in what Southampton offers those pursuing a career in the creative industries.

Applications to join the Arches studios can be submitted throughout the year; with new residents being inducted through a biannual selection panel.

For further information please contact the arts organisation a space

New Arches website launching soon / www.archesstudios.org.uk

History

In July 2000 the organisation’s founding members became frustrated with the limited opportunities emerging artists had in Southampton and set about laying the foundations to an organisation that could bring about a lasting change.

Our first step in establishing an infrastructure was to initiate a gallery space. The Northam Rd gallery launched the arts organisation and opened its doors to the public on the 22nd of October 2002. Through this initial space we were able to test ideas and develop an identity. Over our time there, approximately two and a half years, 35 exhibitions were staged and the foundations laid upon which an organisation could be built.

We subsequently moved our main gallery and HQ from Northam Rd to the Bargate, a scheduled ancient monument, located in the centre of Southampton. The monument features as the Southampton City Council logo and is significantly prestigious building within the city. Through the new Bargate Monument Gallery we will be able to secure an integral element to the infrastructure we are building; a well-located gallery, exclusively exhibiting works by emerging visual artists. This move is of great importance to the organisation and enables us to effectively work on a regional platform.

Whilst a space is a young arts organisation we have added a new dimension to the cities cultural offer by stimulating interest and inclusion at a grass roots level.