Organizer Information
‘a space’ arts is a visual arts organization founded in 2000 by artists for artists, dedicated to artist development and audience engagement. The organization operates key venues such as the Arches and Tower House studios, and God’s House Tower (GHT), alongside programs like the RIPE programme. ‘a space’ arts is a registered charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supporting
visual artists through studio provision, professional development, exhibitions, and public engagement initiatives. Its mission emphasizes fostering creativity, community participation, and inclusion, with particular attention to anti-racism and climate action. God’s House Tower (GHT), opened to the public in 2019, hosts dynamic exhibitions and events that share Southampton’s cultural heritage while empowering local communities to engage in creative practices.
Title & Description
Pitch Your Project: International Women’s Day 2026
This open call invites women-led, creative, community-focused initiatives in Southampton (SO postcode) to pitch their projects for a £2,000 bursary. Selected projects will be presented at a live event at God’s House Tower on 6th March 2026, where the community will vote on which projects should receive funding. The initiative encourages new projects or support for ongoing work that delivers social and cultural benefit locally. Applicants prepare a 10-minute pitch to showcase their vision, with outcomes that may include workshops, artworks, or community engagement activities, culminating in an
exhibition from February–March 2027 to highlight project achievements.
Categories
Visual Arts, Community Arts, Multimedia, Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Women-led projects only
- Individuals, collectives, or groups (newly formed or established)
- Projects must take place in the SO postcode area (Southampton, UK)
- Open to all art forms
Program Benefits & Awards
- £2,000 bursary for the winning project, split into two payments
- Access to meeting and workshop spaces
- Shared resources including AV equipment and desk space
- Networking opportunities through ‘a space’ arts’ artist and audience networks
- Ongoing support from the ‘a space’ arts team (project development, planning, curation, marketing)
- Exhibition opportunity at God’s House Tower in Feb–Mar 2027
Runners-up receive: access to spaces, shared resources, networks, and ongoing development support
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Short proposal (written max 450 words, or recorded/video max 3 minutes) addressing:
- Name and postcode
- Who is involved and how they will benefit (~150 words)
- Project activities and budget use (~150 words)
- Vision for exhibition/showcase (~150 words)
- How you heard about the opportunity
- Flexibility for alternative formats (audio, video, voice note)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 February 2026
- Shortlisting: 13 Feb 2026
- Pitch Event: 6 Mar 2026
- Exhibition Installation: Jan 2027
- Exhibition Public: Feb – Mar 2027
Location
Southampton, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Projects must deliver social/community benefit
- Outcomes can include artwork, workshops, or documentation
- Access Fund available for applicants with financial access needs
- All art forms welcome; applicants new to exhibition work will receive full support
- Shortlisted applicants will be guided on exhibition planning, display, and promotion
