First published in the Southern Daily Echo, Friday 9th July 2010
There was a little bit of chaos in Southampton’s Bargate shopping centre last Monday morning.
Well, to be more precise, it was CHAOS the first meeting of the Creative, Heritage and Arts Organisations of Southampton.
It was hosted by SoCo the not-for-profit community music project.
They’ve turned an empty shop unit into a ‘Creative Hub’ that will allow budding musicians and artists a place to meet and perfrom.
This inaugural meeting of CHAOS drew representatives from various youth organisations and arts bodies.
From community radio station Unity 101 to the printers from Red Hot Press; from Sotown Records of Lordshill to Romsey Beggars Fair (Sat 10th July).
Over coffee and muffins we discussed how SoCo’s new venture will help people discover their creative side but also advise artistic bodies how to ride the turbulent waves of the financial cutbacks.
And with no sense of irony it was noted how art funding is the first to be cut even though it’s an inexpensive way of making people happy and connected to the community.
Over the coming months there will be art seminars and meetings in the Bargate along side gigs and displays from new bands and artists.
But most of all get yours hands on a musical instrument.
Soon SoCo will be starting a scheme where the musically curious can sample a wide array of equipment from electronic drum kits to synths.
As co-founder Matt Salvage put it: “We’ll be coaxing people to put a guitar in their hands and have a go!”
