A CREATIVE hub is launching a new initiative that could help artists all over the county.

Eastleigh’s Sorting Office will be at the heart of a new programme sharing expertise and providing support thanks to a £50,000 funding boost.

Organisers hope that this will further grow the artistic community of the town and the surrounding areas, giving local artists and designer-makers the chance to build partnerships and share ideas.

The so-called Sorting Office Associate Programme (SOAP) will be at the hub, in Wells Road, which provides studio space to a number of artists since its opening in 2013. The scheme was possible thanks to £47,487 in funding from Arts Council England.

Those who sign up will get to work with people from Eastleigh’s creative hubs, digital experts at the town’s Tec Hub – which provides offices space for digital firms, writers at the Berry Theatre in Hedge End and dance experts at The Point theatre in Eastleigh.

There are opportunities to take part in projects and events, including networking, across the year.

Other benefits include professional development workshops, discount on stalls at Sorting Office events and significantly reduced rates of hire for the Sorting Office’s production house workshop facility and screen printing cabin.

Artists involved will also have an online link of the Sorting Office website and advanced notice of studio availability at the venue.

SOAP will be officially launched by fashion designer and co-founder of British fashion brand Red or Dead Wayne Hemmingway on the Sorting Office’s third birthday, May 13.

But local artists are encouraged to sign up now.

Eastleigh Borough Council Head of Culture Dr Cheryl Butler said: “The Sorting Office Associate Programme (SOAP) is a wonderful opportunity for artists and designer-makers to become part of a wider network of creatives and highlights the value the Arts Council sees in places such as The Sorting Office in the development of small designer-maker businesses.

“In a wider context, the introduction of SOAP continues to grow Eastleigh’s reputation as a centre for arts and culture, by providing a membership scheme which will be a significant benefit to local artists not yet involved with the studios.”

To find out more residents can attend an introduction night at the Sorting Office on April 7 at 6pm.

To book a free place go to eventbrite.co.uk.

Or you can email ria@aspacearts.org.uk.