ARTS venues across Southampton have been been awarded a massive funding boost following the city's "sensational" bid to become the UK City of Culture.
MAST Mayflower Studios, the John Hansard Gallery and A Space Arts are among the venues that will receive a total of £11.5m from Arts Council England (ACE) over the next three years.
Towns and cities across Hampshire are set to benefit from ACE's decision to divert cash from London to the regions.
Southampton ultimately lost out to Bradford in its attempt to become UK City of Culture 2025.
But ACE area director Phil Gibby said: "As the city’s sensational bid proven, Southampton has big ambitions when it comes to culture and creativity.
"Today, Arts Council England backs those dreams with an £11.5 million funding package for the city.
"Our biggest investment will be in MAST Studios in Guildhall Square, the beating heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
"We’re also supporting three organisations which are based there, including the brilliant dance company ZoieLogic, who took to the streets during lockdown with The Grid Experience."
Other beneficiaries include the John Hansard Gallery, A Space Arts and the Turner Sims Concert Hall, plus The Point in Eastleigh.
Mr Gibby said: "All these organisations boost the local economy, create jobs and make a huge difference to lives of local residents.
"It’s a moment of real cultural opportunity for Southampton and its neighbours, all thanks to the fantastic leadership the city showed in making that Capital of Culture bid."
Cllr Satvir Kaur, leader of the city council, added: "I am thrilled that our work during the bid process has resulted in such an uplift in regular ACE investment into our city.
"At a time when we need to grow our local economy and attract visitors to the city, this is very welcome news."
Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith added: "We have fantastic creative industries and arts which have been crying out for funding. This is a very welcome investment.”
An ACE spokesperson said its new portfolio was more diverse then ever.
"Well-known organisations in Southampton such as Art Asia, who run its famous Mela Festival and John Hansard Gallery, with its ambitious programme of contemporary art, and Eastleigh’s The Point will all benefit from investment."
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