Resident companies

ArtfulScribe

ArtfulScribe is a literature development agency, supporting writers of all ages at different stages of their creative journeys. They offer workshops, live readings, showcases, performance opportunities, residencies and publishing outlets aimed at empowering self-expression and raising the profile of writers and writing at a local and national level. 

Artswork

Artswork activates and amplifies change by, with and for children and young people through a range of creative programmes including:

Activating Young Cultural Changemakers – place-making projects where young people lead on creative commissions that make a difference where they live.

Activating Creative Learning – training designed to grow creative approaches to learning in classrooms, workplaces and communities

Activating Creative Careers – initiatives enabling young people to discover and explore creative career options from primary school onwards to post-16 training and Apprenticeships.

OperaUpClose

OperaUpClose is a national touring opera company, rooted in theatre with partnership and innovation at their heart, making opera of the highest quality with and for everyone. They work at an intimate scale as an active creative choice, distilling the essence of classics into new, contemporary works with their own artistic integrity and excellence.

They’re committed to breaking down barriers between pit, stage and audience by giving all performers equal agency as storytellers. OperaUpClose are engaging a new generation with operas made with and for very young children, and they actively support new voices within the art-form through a paid Young Associate Artist Scheme.

Our Version Media

Our Version Media, founded by Southampton-born black British broadcast journalist, Veronica Gordon, is a social enterprise dedicated to increasing positive and authentic representation of Southampton’s black and diverse communities. It does so by giving people media and journalism skills to tell and share their own stories. 

Southampton Music Hub

Southampton and IOW Music is delivering life-changing music for every child in Southampton and was founded in 2012. Southampton and IOW Music is a growing partnership of local, regional and national organisations, working together to build an inspiring and inclusive programme of music making that reflects the cultural diversity of Southampton. Together they are dedicated to delivering life-changing music experiences that enrich the life, health and well-being of children and the community. 

Sound Pop Academy

Whether a young person dreams of having a career in music or simply enjoys singing along to their favourite pop star, Sound Pop Academy gives them the opportunity to develop confidence and improve vocal and performance skills in an inclusive, engaging and nourishing environment. Sound Pop Academy is the South’s leading singing group for young people aged 2-17. We deliver engaging weekly sessions and offer amazing performance opportunities. We believe that every young person should be able to access high-quality performing arts classes at an affordable price and are on a mission to get more young people singing.