Look inside and escape into whole worlds of art, history and heritage this summer

Southampton City Council has worked with local poet, Jo Fisher and young people from MAST Mayflower Studios, to create a poem and short film, inviting visitors to look inside and rediscover or be inspired by what they can find in Southampton City Art Gallery, SeaCity Museum and Tudor House Museum and Garden

The aim of the poem and film is to encourage visitors of all ages to explore our historic city, discover its stories and escape into worlds of art, history and heritage and visit these venues and more across the city.

Jo Fisher, a local writer, editor, poet and artist, has already created several poems about the city she loves. She said:

“This city has continually inspired me, and I strongly believe that there’s something in Southampton for everyone to discover, feel moved by, and enjoy. This project has been a great way to pay my positive creative experiences forward.”

Jo moved to Southampton over a decade ago and has spent many hours exploring the museums and galleries in the city for inspiration or respite. She has relished the chance to encourage others to experience the same thing through poetry.

To help make this poem come to life, Southampton City Council teamed up with local creative company, Robin Creative Media and seven young people from MAST Mayflower Studios for the filming of this project. Southampton’s next generation of creative people are an important voice in telling the City’s stories to the rest of the world and for our City of Culture 2025 journey.

Sara Scott, Executive Director of MAST Mayflower Studios said:

“We were delighted to support this project by connecting young people to the initiative. Giving opportunities for young people and the wider community to connect to Culture is central to our work at MAST and what better way to celebrate and explore the Culture of the city than through the performances of young people bringing this wonderful poem to life.” 

SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery, Tudor House Museum and Gardens and MAST Mayflower Studios are now all open and ready to safely welcome back visitors. Whether you want to be inspired by something new or find comfort in the familiar, our spaces, exhibitions and experiences are here for you, your family, and your friends. So, come look inside and escape for an hour or a day to reconnect, rediscover or reignite your passion.

Southampton City Art Gallery is FREE and is currently showcasing a stunning new exhibition, Creating a National Collection, which celebrates the historic links with the gallery and London’s National Gallery. The exhibition includes major artworks by Monet and Gainsborough and many more. On show also is the wonderful Manifesting the Unseen exhibition created by Muslim women artists. Residents can also enjoy a 10% discount at SeaCity Museum and Tudor House Museum and Garden through the SO card.

Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Heritage, Southampton City Council said: 

“Southampton is truly a fascinating place and this brilliant poem and film show just a little of what we have to offer here in our city. There’s so much more to discover and we hope everyone finds a little time to spend exploring our City’s rich cultural heritage.”

Discover more about the poem and our cultural venues.