Arts & Culture
Graffiti artist Carleen De Sozer has previously contributed to the Solent Showcase Gallery. Credit: RCM
Published: September 4, 2023 | Updated: 1st September 2023
Westquay is celebrating all things Southampton this weekend as their multi-storey car park transforms into an urban street art gallery.
From Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th September, ‘Multi-Stories’ will treat visitors to a cultural extravaganza of art, music and skateboarding.
Artists like Bonzai, Remi Rough and Ricky Also of Paintshop Studio & Gallery are set to collaborate on a series of murals to capture the energy of the local neighbourhoods, which visitors can watch come together live.
There’ll also be a ‘pillars of the community’ installation put together by black history consultant Don John, celebrating black stories from across the city through a collection of stories.
And for the thrillseekers, Skate Southampton will be offering skateboarding lessons to people of all abilities, teaching new tricks and helping more people get involved in the sport.
They’ll be joined by a number of Southampton musicians and DJs paying homage to the city’s 50-year hip hop heritage and telling its stories. Reubin X, Amy Willow, Reshaine and many more will all make appearances throughout the weekend.
Laura Read, General Manager at Westquay, said: “So often car parks are seen as one of life’s boring necessities, so being able to breathe new life into our multi storey is an absolute joy.
“The reception from the city’s creative community has been fantastic and I’m sure that visitors will be amazed at what’s on offer!”
Multi-Stories represents a collaboration between Westquay and Southampton Forward, an independent charitable trust leading a plan to strengthen the city’s culture and communities.
Bav Dhanda, Commercial & Marketing Director of Southampton Forward, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Westquay on this exciting project.
“Using culture to transform a multi-storey car park in the city is a fantastic way to share stories from Southampton’s communities and showcase local talent.”
Levels 7 and 9 of the multi-storey will house live art curation, while skateboarding is on Level 7. The car park is still open to vehicles on Levels 1 to 5.
