Turner Sims Southampton, part of the University, will receive over £315,000 for an ambitious scheme to significantly raise the aspirations of emerging and professional jazz artists, standards of performance, composition and promotion across the UK’s Southern regions.
Turner Sims will now launch the 3-year talent development programme Jazz South, the only music project in the country selected within the final round of the Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence Programme fund.
Through Jazz South, established and emerging artists, and gifted and talented children and young people, will work with promoters and leading UK and international figures. New work will be commissioned, and talent and excellence developed through master classes and residencies.
The University’s own world-leading Music department – one of the largest and most diverse in the UK – will also be involved in the project.
Kevin Appleby, Turner Sims Concert Hall Manager, said of the award:
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Turner Sims and I’m most grateful to Arts Council England for their support. This investment enables us to realise our aspirations for creating new opportunities for the jazz sector in the South of England. I know from the conversations we have had with a range of organisations and individuals across the region already that there is a great appetite for this, and I look forward to working with partners regionally, nationally and internationally to bring these opportunities to life.”
Sir Christopher Snowden, President and Vice-Chancellor, commented:
“The University welcomes this funding for its renowned concert hall and is proud to be supporting this significant sector development – playing a leading role in talent development for jazz artists of all ages. As custodians of culture in Southampton, this extraordinary project is testimony to our University’s determination and commitment to the fundamental role that arts and culture play and further underpins our essential role in nurturing new talent.”
Read the full press release here.
Learn more about the Arts Council’s Ambition for Excellence Programme.
Discover outstanding Jazz at Turner Sims this spring.
