OPPORTUNITY: Become a Cultural Connector

Are you aged 16 – 25 years old, living in Southampton?

Would you like to help shape the future of Southampton’s cultural life for young people?

Become one of Southampton’s Cultural Connectors!

Young people from SoCoMusic with Eileen Simpson and Ben White. British Art Show 8 Southampton

10 Cultural Connectors will join ‘Connecting Culture’, a ground-breaking project led by University of Southampton. You will explore how Southampton’s thriving Cultural Quarter can enrich the lives of children and young people as a future creative hub and work alongside  a large group of creative organisations and child-focused services.

Continue reading OPPORTUNITY: Become a Cultural Connector

Reflections from Paige Michel-Strachan on her role as Digital Marketing and Project Assistant


By Paige Michel Strachan

Hey everyone! It’s me again. My temporary role as Digital Marketing and Project Assistant with the Arts at University of Southampton team has unfortunately come to an end (how time flies when you’re having fun!). A sad but simultaneously sweet occasion. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing communications for the Connecting Culture project and Southampton Cultural Educational Partnership (SCEP). Promoting access to arts and creativity for children and young people in Southampton has been an invaluable opportunity that has helped me grow personally and professionally.

The reason I loved doing this role is because it encompasses all the 5 C’s – communications, content, creativity, community and culture!

Continue reading Reflections from Paige Michel-Strachan on her role as Digital Marketing and Project Assistant

Ambitious programme of creative workshops for 1000 young people begins

Workshop pack designed by artist Faye Phillips

The Connecting Culture research project, led by University of Southampton, has launched its ambitious ‘Creative Consultation’ programme of artist-led creative workshops for children and young people in Southampton.

Following delays caused by Covid-19, the first workshops took place at Polygon and Bitterne Park Primary schools in the first week of May, and ultimately around 1000 children and young people from across the city are set to take part. 

Continue reading Ambitious programme of creative workshops for 1000 young people begins

Introducing Sarah Girling, Creative Consultation Coordinator

Meet Sarah Girling, Creative Consultation Coordinator for the Connecting Culture project. Sarah is a freelance Cultural Education Consultant, working with schools, arts organisations and artists, a job she thoroughly enjoys.

Continue reading Introducing Sarah Girling, Creative Consultation Coordinator

Interviewing the Connecting Culture Artist Facilitators #2: Faye Phillips

Meet Faye!

In the second of our interview series, in which we’re getting to know the artists who will be facilitating our Creative Consultation workshops, we meet Faye Phillips, visual artist and educator.

Paige, Digital Marketing and Project Assistant, caught up with Faye and quizzed her on the big questions about creativity and art, as well as her plans for her Connecting Culture workshops.

Continue reading Interviewing the Connecting Culture Artist Facilitators #2: Faye Phillips

Interviewing the Connecting Culture Artist Facilitators #1: Natalie Watson

In order to get to know the Artist Facilitators that will be running our Creative Consultation workshops, we have interviewed each of them to gain an insight into their practice, their roles in the Connecting Culture project and to hear their advice for aspiring young creatives.

First up we have Natalie Watson, contemporary dance artist, who works collaboratively with a variety of arts organisations to create accessible dance for all. We hope you enjoy the video!

Continue reading Interviewing the Connecting Culture Artist Facilitators #1: Natalie Watson

Introducing Connecting Culture

FuzzyLogic Youth Company performing The Beast. Image courtesy of ZoieLogic Dance Theatre.

By Paige Michel-Strachan

Connecting Culture is an innovative, cross-sector project, led by University of Southampton. In my first (on-topic!) blog as Digital Marketing and Project Assistant, I’m going to summarise this huge creative project for you in just a few short paragraphs. Here goes…

Continue reading Introducing Connecting Culture

Introducing Paige Michel-Strachan, Digital Marketing and Project Assistant

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoy! 

Paige Michel-Strachan has joined the Arts at University of Southampton team in a temporary role as Digital Marketing and Project Assistant. Paige is going to be helping out on the Connecting Culture project and with the Southampton Cultural Education Partnership with content creation, communications and much more! 

We caught up with Paige to find out a bit more about her – her background, inspirations, hopes and dreams! 

Read on to find out more.

Continue reading Introducing Paige Michel-Strachan, Digital Marketing and Project Assistant

JOB VACANCY: Youth Voice Coordinator (Connecting Culture and Southampton CEP)


Salary:   ÂŁ25,217 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 12 months
Closing Date:  Wednesday 13 January 2021

Do you have direct experience working with children and young people to achieve their goals? Are you passionate about arts, culture and creativity and its potential to transform lives? 

We’re looking for an exceptional individual, with the skills, experience, energy and drive to connect a diverse range of Children and Young People to transformative opportunities and support them to influence cultural provision in Southampton that meets their needs and aspirations.

Continue reading JOB VACANCY: Youth Voice Coordinator (Connecting Culture and Southampton CEP)