Southampton City Art Gallery

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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 £49 per class.

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 £95 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 a Picasso print and paintings and drawings by Ian Hamilton Finlay, Paul Nash and Southampton born Eric Meadus among others.

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.

Explore some artworks from our collection to get some ideas here and here.  As this is a bespoke service, costs may vary.  Prices start at £170 per class.

 

Virtual Sessions:

Here at the Gallery we are proud to offer children the opportunity to explore our amazing art collection and develop their own creative skills. We’re delighted to be able to welcome schools and groups again, but understand many schools may not feel ready for a school trip. That’s why we’ve created our special Virtual Sessions. And the good news is that you can be anywhere in the world to access them!

If you’re planning a school trip or would like us visit you, please scroll down for information on visits and outreach options.

What Are 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.

What Software Do We Need?

Virtual Sessions can be accessed through various online platforms, including Zoom, TEAMS, Google Meet and Jitsi. If you normally use a different platform just let us know and we’ll do our best to make it as straightforward for you as possible.

What Do We Do About Art Materials?

At the present time we are mindful that learners may not be able to share resources in the usual way.  For this reason we can 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.

Who Are They For?

Our Virtual Sessions can work for anyone with internet access, but they are particularly designed for school settings (both in class and remote-learning) and home education groups.  For details of our offer to adult groups click here

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:

National Express has launched a new initiative for schools, giving the chance to access discounted coach transport for daytrips. For more information, to get a quote or to make an official coach booking, please see their webpage.

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

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