A NEW arts project will allow you to discover, celebrate and explore the rich heritage and distinctive character of the region in new and unexpected ways this autumn.

ArtSOUTH: collaborations is a new contemporary visual art project, bringing nationally and internationally renowned artists to central southern England.

Working with specialists in different fields, including an architect, a choir, the Army, dancers and a professor who specialises in Punch and Judy, artists will be making new artworks that invite visitors and residents to explore their surroundings, discover hidden histories or enjoy the beauty of the region.

Artworks will be on public display in unexpected places including a former-rocket testing site on the Isle of Wight, a 1950s cargo steamship in Southampton, a medieval hall in Winchester and on the sea wall in the New Forest as well as in the best galleries across the region.

The project brings together an exciting line up of artists from around the world including Claire Barclay (UK), Jordan Baseman (USA, UK based), Annika Ström (Sweden, UK based), Bouke de Vries (The Netherlands, UK based), and Susanne M Winterling (Germany).

This will be an amazing one-off opportunity to see new work by many high-profile contemporary artists, created in response to local places, including collaborations with local communities.

ArtSOUTH will be offering an exciting programme of events and activities, including family workshops, walks, talks and more.

Supported by partnership investment from Artswork, artSOUTH is also delivering a programme with schools across the region to increase opportunities for children and young people to engage with great art and culture.

Stephen Foster, Director of the John Hansard Gallery, University of Southampton, a major partner in the artSOUTH project, said: “This is a new project that will offer great opportunities for a fascinating day out or weekend away across central south England.

“It will also be a unique way to introduce families and new audiences to explore and discover contemporary art. These interesting collaborations will show different places in new ways, revealing how artists work and the process of making their art, as well as encourage visitors and tourism from beyond our region, to support the local economy.”

The project runs from September 7 to December 1.

For more information visit artsouth.org.uk