Urban street art event 'Multi-Stories' set to return to Westquay car park

Multi-Stories, the urban street art gallery event at Westquay’s multi-storey car park, is set to return for the second year running.

On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May, the event will bring back art, skateboarding and music to transform the space into an urban art gallery.

This year, the event will also feature a Maker’s Market, where visitors can pick up a one-off creation from local small businesses and crafters.

Organised by Westquay in association with Southampton Forward, visitors will be able to watch on as more than 30 artists create a series of permanent murals aiming to represent stories of the city and local communities.

There are also six spaces available for new artists to take part, with the only requirements being a passion for their work and an SO postcode. Interested artists need to get in touch before Sunday 28th April to be considered.

A section of the car park will act as a skate park, where onlookers will be able to join We Skate Southampton, who will show them how to learn new tricks and conquer ramps.

Skateboarding lessons and breakdancing workshops will also be on offer.

All this will be set against a soundtrack curated by Southampton musicians and DJs with a programme spanning genres across 60 years since Southampton became a city and reflecting the overarching theme for 2024 of ‘city life’.

Artists include well-known Southampton street artist Slam and other established artists Epod, Mr Cenz and Vane MG.

Sarah Tinsley, Director of Marketing & Placemaking at Hammerson (owner of Westquay) said: ‘We’re excited to be bringing ‘Multi-Stories’ back to Westquay following its huge success last year.

“Collaborating with local artists is just one of the innovative ways we are evolving Westquay from a place where people come only to shop, to a ‘destination’ offering an exciting mix of entertainment, leisure and social experiences.

“Southampton is bustling with creativity and we’re looking forward to once again championing and providing a platform for local talent”.

Claire Whitaker CBE, CEO of Southampton Forward, said “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Westquay again on such an exciting project.

“We look forward to building on the success of last year and to seeing more of the multi-storey car park transformed with beautiful murals in a range of styles.

“It’s a fun event for local communities that showcases local talent alongside artists from further afield, and having a lasting impact for public art in Southampton to create a more vibrant city”.

Paintshop, a local Creative Studio who blend graffiti art with graphic design, are back for the second year curating the artwork and free art workshops alongside local creative producer Joe Ross.

Ricky Also, a born and bred Sotonian, is the Creative Director behind Paintshop and a renowned mural artist. Last year in addition to curating the event he also created the large ‘The World is Yours’ mural in collaboration with artists Bonzai and Squirl.

Ricky Also said: “Paintshop are really happy to be back for the second year working on the ‘Multi-Stories’ project. Live painting events like this offer a unique opportunity for people to connect with street art, getting under the skin and witness the creative process firsthand.

“Not only are we transforming ordinary grey urban spaces into vibrant artworks, we also hope to play a part in inspiring the next generation of artists.

“Growing up in Southampton I know how just much creative potential there is in the city and events like Multi-Stories are exactly what we need.”

Multi-Stories will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 12-6pm on Levels 1,2 and 3 of the Westquay Multi-Storey car park. The car park will be open to vehicles as normal.

• https://southamptonforward.org.uk/

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