The Victorian charm of Southport has often attracted creatives. It produces them, too, with the likes of Marc Almost (38 million records sold), Miranda Richardson (BAFTA winner), and the mighty comedy powerhouse Lee Mack all being local.
Being a seaside town, entertainment is Southport’s bread and butter. Despite the rise of the licensed online casino in the UK, the seafront arcades and fairs are going strong. However, its artistic prowess often goes overlooked, with the likes for the flower and air show getting much of the attention.
Southport has even spawned respected classical musicians like Peter Cropper, and become a hub for all kinds of artistic mediums. The Atkinson has become a cultural hub, alongside the ArtHouse gallery, and is engaging the community in an important way.
The Atkinson – Cultural Hub
The Atkinson stands as Southport’s focal point and cultural institution, hosting a broad range of exhibitions and performances. The venue’s calendar is rich with performances, from “The Band” by Levantes Dance Theatre and Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol”. The hub maintains a consistent program of community engagement with its regular events such as the Atkinson Wellbeing Choir and children’s Story & Rhyme Time sessions.
The venue’s upcoming Christmas season showcases its versatility, with the Christmas Makers Market scheduled for November 23rd offering a platform for local artisans. The Atkinson’s integrates traditional and contemporary art forms, making it attractive to all generations too. The accessibility of its public spaces and regular community programs has proven itself to be carrying Southport’s culture for many years.
ArtHouse and Contemporary Arts
The ArtHouse is operated by Southport Contemporary Arts (SCA). It established itself as an important venue for established artists, but also became a place for up and comers to showcase their talent. The gallery is located on Eastbank Street has has an impressively dynamic exhibition schedule all year round. The venue recently demonstrated its commitment to contemporary art through its successful Summer Open Exhibition, which put on a display of many mediums, from hand-thrown ceramics to documentary photography – it has it all.
The ArtHouse has a regular exhibition program and workshop spaces, which is where many artists learn their craft. Beyond fostering talent, it engages the community and spreads awareness of Southport’s contemporary art scene.
Public Art Trail
Southport’s urban landscape features an impressive collection of public artworks, with Paul Curtis’s murals being prominent landmarks. His depiction of Red Rum and the Audrey Hepburn piece on London Street have become popular photography spots. London street artist Ben Eine’s distinctive typography art adorns P&A Audio on Princes Street, featuring Alice in Wonderland-inspired designs, while his work also appears on the Sandgrounder fish and chip shop shutters. Wesley Street stands out with its vibrant, multi-coloured shopfronts, creating an artistic thoroughfare that really expresses the town’s creative character.
Cultural Events
The winter season brings several confirmed cultural events to Southport’s venues. The Atkinson is hosting “Breaking the Code,” marking the 70th anniversary of Alan Turing, alongside the “Eternal Summer: Paintings by Philip Connard” exhibition. The contemporary art scene continues with the “The Ties That Bind” exhibition, exploring family life and community relationships. Local theatre productions include “Snow White” at the Little Theatre and “Sleeping Beauty” pantomime featuring a Blue Peter presenter.
Southport’s art scene continues to evolve, but it’s cause to celebrate. Not only for the successful artists that it has produced, but the ones it is producing, today and every day, throughout the important cultural hubs and community hotspots throughout the town.
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