Local artist selected for PhD
at One Horton Heath

Eastleigh Borough Council and the University of Southampton have appointed Winchester-based photographer Simon Bray to undertake the first artist PhD Studentship offered by the partnership.

Through their Civic Agreement and using funds from s106 developer’s contributions, Eastleigh Borough Council have teamed up with the University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery and Winchester School of Art to offer a unique research opportunity for an artist in residence at the Council’s new housing development in Hampshire.

One Horton Heath will create around 2800 new homes, a primary school, local centre and shared spaces. The first homes within the Lower Acre are fast taking shape with the show homes being the first to be built and nearing closer to completion.

Councillor Leader Keith House said; “We’re proud to be working in partnership with the University of Southampton on this project, which aims to innovate through high-quality research and create unique experiences for our One Horton Heath residents”

The PhD residency has been devised as part of the Council’s public art programme for One Horton Heath, and in partnership with the University it is hoped that the project will enable both partners to further develop their approach of working innovatively on public art and co-creation.

Sue Littlemore, Director, Civic University says,

“Our role as a Civic University is about harnessing our research power to have a positive impact on residents and communities across our region. This PhD studentship through John Hansard Gallery and Winchester School of Art brings that goal to life and demonstrates the unique opportunities that the University of Southampton’s Civic University partnership can deliver for its civic partners. Simon’s renowned work as a photographer will use art and creativity in the community to help existing and new residents at One Horton Heath come together as one, showing strong communities can be built on creativity.”

Dr Megen de Bruin-Molé, Director of Doctoral Programmes at Winchester School of Art says,

“Winchester School of Art at the University of Southampton is delighted to partner with Eastleigh Borough Council, working together to create meaningful opportunities that connect academic excellence with the vibrant communities we serve. Simon Bray joins a PhD community of interdisciplinary, internationally renowned artists and researchers, and we are excited to see how his practice and perspectives will contribute to the dynamic dialogue between art, society, and place.“

Simon Bray has exhibited at galleries and festivals nationally including The Southbank Centre, The Whitworth, Open Eye Gallery and Brighton Photo Fringe. His work has been featured by The Guardian, British Journal of Photography and the BBC, including an appearance on The One Show. His research project at One Horton Heath will engage residents through photography workshops, exploring their local environment.

Simon Bray says,

“I’ve been working as a socially engaged photographer for many years, alongside the recently bereaved, prisoners, young people and refugees. This PhD opportunity will allow me to bring all of that experience and knowledge to develop a body of research that I hope will encourage creativity and community engagement for many years to come. It’s a real privilege to have been selected and to have the chance to work alongside some wonderful people at both the Council and University.“

The artist was selected following an open call for applications. Other shortlisted candidates were Maria Gergius, Mark Howard Jones, Kate Mieczkowska and Kaosiemenma Okay-Ikenegbu.

The partnership hopes to offer two further PhD residencies at One Horton Heath in the next ten years.