A NEW "one-stop" space for Southampton arts is to be launched as part of a bid to help the city recovery following the coronavirus lockdown period.

GO! Southampton and the city’s cultural organisations have come together to play a role in Southampton’s road to recovery following lockdown over the past weeks and months.

With many of the city’s cultural organisations and artists unable to open, perform or practice, it has been an opportunity to work together to recover the city safely and to promote creative talents through alternative platforms.

Southampton’s cultural arts organisations have launched a new platform delivered by GO! Southampton called 'Southampton from your SOfa'.

Hosted on the Visit Southampton website, the space for the local community during the lockdown period and is designed to be a one-stop space for city-wide arts content.

The Southampton from your SOfa group ran a mini competition for local artists, selecting Guy Stauber, Svetlana Ochk and Alice and Oli Knowles to give a visual interpretation of Southampton’s culture.

The initiative is supported by Southampton’s broadband partner toob, who have invested £50million into an all new full-fibre network in the city.

Nick Parbutt, CEO of toob, said: “The lockdown has been and continues to be particularly impactful on artists, performers and venues.

"Initiatives such as Southampton from your SOfa demonstrates a highly innovative approach by the arts community to reinvigorate the sector.”

“At toob we are delighted to be able to support initiatives like this and the broader recovery by continuing to invest in our full-fibre network across the city.

"We hope all parts of the community can utilise the improved connectivity we provide to innovate and thrive.”

Southampton’s local artists have also played a key role in the safe re-opening of the city and its economy.

GO! Southampton and Southampton City Council worked closely with muralist and illustrator Nathan Evans to design street vinyls and supporting materials for the Be Smart, Stay Apart campaign which was a key component in providing guidance and reassurance to the public in the city centre and selected district centres.