Our local museums, galleries and arts centres are at the beating heart of our communities.
“It's been a complete joy to be part of what you've all achieved at Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Centre this year, despite all the challenges. It's been a special time and it feels really important to have been part of a creative venture to keep the community moving and sharing. Thank you”
“This place is obviously loved and looked after. The quality of the exhibits and detailing is wonderful. What a gem. Our 9 and 13yr old boys really enjoyed it. Thank you for providing this high-quality educational space.”
“As Covid means we don’t get a chance to interact with people so much face to face these days, I just wanted to write and say a big thank you to all of the museum staff for hosting great events in 2020 (despite the many challenges the year has posed). I am always blown away by the museum: all of the displays, the attention to detail in each part of the museum, the friendly staff, and the clear Covid-safe measures you have put in place.”
We work with and for Hampshire’s most vulnerable people and know the positive impact creativity can have on people of all ages.
"I have gained a new confidence in my abilities and an increased empathy towards others. When in lockdown, it's hard to appreciate that everyone around you is going through the same mental health struggles. I grew a greater sense of understanding of my own mental health issues as well as empathising with others."
“Before I turned up – I was overwhelmed and had no confidence. This is the only thing I come out of my house for. Being an all-woman group helps you feel safe and relate to other women’s lives. I have gained a lot of confidence and I’ve started to believe in myself.”
“When you’re in mental health places it can all be about pills and appointments which can make you feel stuck. This art project is just so brilliant because it’s made me feel like ‘me’ and enjoy myself. Thank you.”
Our ever-expanding programme of workshops, exhibitions and performances improves wellbeing, health and happiness - and it’s never been more important for local artists and audiences alike.
‘Thank you for your wonderful Poetry for Wellbeing sessions. I have to admit that I approach each with a small amount of apprehension, worrying that I will find myself lacking – but I leave each, without fail, smiling and inspired.’
Back in the first lockdown I had 2 exhibitions I was taking part in cancelled. For small independent artists like myself who do not have any external funding this period has been a nightmare. This opportunity for local artists with no barriers such as age or race or ability or who you know was so refreshing, it means a lot.”
“I was hoping to gain some therapeutic value from creative artistic activities, but I was not expecting any meaningful social contact through the video link. In practice, I found that I was enjoying the social aspects of experience, and I found myself looking forward to the weekly meetings with my friends.”
We’re immensely proud of Hampshire’s significant and diverse heritage - help us celebrate and preserve our extensive collections while making them accessible to all.
“My 11-year-old son is learning how the Romans changed Andover. One of your staff spent half an hour with us, and my son now has an absolute wealth of knowledge to use for his homework. It’s also fed his interest in history which was lovely to see."
"The quality of the collection, both as individual pieces, and as an exciting, thrillingly juxtaposed whole was astonishing. This is an outstanding collection that deserves to be far better known than it is.”
"Thank you for such a fab session last week. As a result, I have managed to plan a great unit for Evolution and Inheritance so thank you. I found it really interesting and useful."
Improving wellbeing, health and happiness through cultural experiences and changing lives through culture.
We manage and support 23 venues across the county and provide a huge variety of workshops, classes, events and projects for all ages, in schools and in communities, with particular emphasis on reaching people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged and would not normally be able to access arts and culture.
