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FOR SCHOOLS & GROUPS WE OFFER:
Visits to Us:
Discovery Sessions
Capture their imagination and bring the exhibitions to life during one of our interactive discovery sessions which take place in the Art Gallery, encouraging investigation and discussion. Let our experienced guides use their knowledge to captivate your group and get them talking about the exciting things they see. Popular themes include: My First Gallery Visit, Art Detectives (finding out how artworks are made), Greek Mythology, Colour Shape and Pattern and Differences and Similarities. The cost of a discovery session is £55 per class.
From 1 April 2025, during our closure period, we are also offering a second Gallery-based Discovery Session, exploring sketching techniques, collage and even zine making, Discover, Draw and More!
Workshops
Hands-on workshops are a fabulous way to enhance your Gallery visit, developing key skills and techniques which can be linked directly with exhibitions on display, art masters or schemes of work.
Popular themes and processes include: colour, shape and pattern, Pop Art, portraits, Greek mythology, printing, painting, wire sculpture or clay. The cost of a workshop is £97 per class.
If you would like to book both a workshop and a Discovery Session, the cost is £150 per class.
Outreach:
Art on Wheels
Art on Wheels is an exciting initiative where Southampton City Art Gallery comes to your school! Inspiring works of art have been handpicked from our outstanding collection including Southampton born Eric Meadus among others.
We also are have a selection of high quality reproductions, which are able to bring out to schools. Reproductions available include Monet, Turner and Arcimboldo
Select an artwork from our image gallery and choose a medium from wire, printing, drawing or collage. We will bring the artwork to your classroom with a professional artist and an assistant who will lead a discussion and a practical workshop inspired by the artwork you have chosen. Available for Key Stage 1 – 5. Workshops last for 1.5 hours (including a talk and a practical activity) and we can cater for up to 3 classes of up to 33 pupils in a day.
To explore the artwork and reproductions that we can bring to schools, please see here and here. As this is a bespoke service, costs may vary. Prices start at £190 per class.
Virtual Sessions:
Our Virtual Sessions are online, live, face-to-face workshops with a member of our learning team. Participants will explore different artwork and artists and then create their own artwork, guided step by step by our learning team. As well as the online element, we can provide a downloadable ‘how to’ guide to accompany the art activity, as well as follow up learning ideas and resources. The virtual session lasts approximately an hour and a half and can be accessed through various online platforms, including Zoom, TEAMS, Google Meet and Classroom.
What Do We Do About Art Materials?
We tailor our sessions to fit around the resources you have readily accessible in your classroom and offer practical sessions using just a pencil and paper. Alternatively, you can order materials from us if you are based within a 20-mile radius of the Gallery for an additional charge.
What Do We Cover?
Here at the Gallery we pride ourselves on tailoring our sessions to the needs of our learners and can plan sessions around the theme and media you want to work with. We’ve listed some examples of below.
Examples of session themes we can offer include: Greek Myths, Portraits and People, Landscapes and Seascapes, Sculpture, Abstract Art and Poetry in Art.
We can offer workshops using a range of media, tailored to fit around the resources you have in school with the option of ordering additional materials from the Gallery for local schools:
- Drawing (basic resources only)
- Collage / Mixed Media (basic resources only)
- Clay Sculpture (using school / Gallery resources)
- Wire Sculpture (using school / Gallery resources)
- Painting and Drawing (using school / Gallery resources)
How Much Do Virtual Sessions Cost?
Our virtual sessions cost £95 per group. Local schools can also order resources from us for an additional cost per participant. Please contact us if this is something you would like to discuss.
SEN groups:
Our educational activities can be tailored and extended to meet the needs of students with behavioural, physical, cognitive or sensory difficulties or disabilities. Sessions can include a series of practical and gallery-based activities, students will be made to feel comfortable, enthused and included.
Please call us to discuss your individual group needs and we will create engaging and stimulating sessions that are suitable and affordable.
Getting here:
We understand the additional cost of travel can significantly increase the price of your school trip. We are pleased to announce that both Lucketts and Xelacoach are offering discount travel to schools visiting our venues; SeaCity, Tudor House and Southampton City Art Gallery.
Lucketts are a Hampshire and Dorset based companying with over 90 years of experience. For more information and to get a quote, please contact them at Southampton City Council School Trip Venues | Lucketts Travel – Part of the Coach Travel Group.
Hampshire based Xelacoach is proud to able to provide affordable, reliable transport options that make it easier for schools. Through supportive collaboration with our venues Xelacoach Together are removing barriers for schools with limited budgets and ensuring more children can access enriching museum visits that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a stronger connection to their community. For more information and to get a quote, please contact them at https://www.xelacoach.info/sea-city-link
To book:
If you’re looking to arrange a visit to Southampton City Art Gallery or book one of the sessions above, please contact our bookings officer on 023 8083 2810 or alternatively use the booking form below, and a member of the learning team will get back to you shortly.
View our full Teacher’s Guide
Please provide the following information if you wish to book a visit:
- 1st/2nd/3rd choice of dates
- Year group and number of classes
- Number of students and adults
- Exhibitions you would like to visit and activities you would like to book
- Any access or special requirements