BLOC ALLIES
The mission behind BLOC is to find new ways to connect and support the region’s grassroots sector, and while SoCo has put our money where our mouth is to get things started we can’t do it alone.BLOC allies are organisations that recognise the regions thriving grassroots and independent music sector and want to stand alongside it – sharing knowledge, opening up opportunities and networks, and helping raise its profile and voice, both in the wider regional cultural ecosystem and on the national stage.BLOC is, and always will be led by our members, who set the agenda and shape what we do. Now, with the backing of these amazing organisations together we can start delivering more support than ever.
The Guildhall Trust is a leading cultural management which takes an innovative approach to diversifying and evolving cultural assets to ensure growth, sustainability and social impact.
Known for their management of the Portsmouth Guildhall the trust specialise in community impact, venue and event management, conferencing and building support
Turner Sims is the University of Southampton‘s music venue, with big ambitions to build an inclusive world through the joy of live music.
Opened at Highfield campus in 1974, the venue plays an influential role in Southampton and the region’s cultural scene. Their impact continues to be seen through their fantastic programmes including Turn It Up, and Future Producers.Southampton Forward is the latest evolution of Southampton Cultural Trust. As a charity they are committed to building Southampton as an inclusive and creative city.
Their mission being to work together with local partners, to showcase the city’s unique cultural identity and make Southampton a great place to visit, live, work, study, and play.
Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.
The trust manage and support visitor attractions, museums, art galleries and arts centres across Hampshire, and run a huge variety of workshops, classes, events and projects with particular emphasis on reaching people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged and would not normally be able to access arts and culture.
Proteus is an innovative theatre company based in Basingstoke producing touring shows, projects, residencies and workshops. Proteus often collaborates with artists and professionals from different creative disciplines, such as photography, film, dance, music and the visual arts creating unique performance pieces. Community is at the heart of their work creating amazing experiences for all, promoting and advancing education and enriching lives through the power of the performing arts.
Portsmouth Creates champions the city’s creativity and cultural community. They connect, support and advocate for creative people and organisations, creating opportunities for the development of people, skills, businesses and the city.
Founded on a belief that access to creativity and culture empowers people and shapes places. Through collaboration, they have been contributing to the vibrant, inclusive cultural scene in Portsmouth and championing the city's sense of identity, heritage and ambition.
Eastleigh Borough Council oversees a number of important cultural venues in their district and are keen to engage in supporting the grassroots sector.Some of their venues include include The Point Eastleigh's internationally-recognised centre for contemporary dance, aerial, theatre, and combined arts,The Berry Theatre in Hedge End, The Sorting Office and The DART Community Art Centre.
The Borough is also home to the acclaimed jazz venue at The Concorde Club in Eastleigh, the regional centre for music at Thornden Hall in Chandler's Ford, Greyladyes Arts Foundation in Bursledon and Sea Sky Art in Hamble.
South Coast Music Partnership (SCMP) is the Music Hub for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.Alongside their network of local partners they work to deliver the National Plan for Music Education and provide high-quality music education for all children and young people across our region.
Hampshire Music Service is run as part of Hampshire County Council to provide a fully inclusive culture of music across the county for all children, young people, families and communities. To enable challenging, engaging, progressive, relevant and high-quality music education for all regardless of social and economic situations, gender, race or learning needs. With a belief that everyone has an entitlement to music and the arts and they strive to deliver effective provision with clear progression routes and the opportunity for all to participate in high quality events.
Culture in Common is a New Forest-based programme creating more opportunities for you to see and take part in creative activities. Ever wanted to try pottery or film-making? See live music on your local recreation ground? Bring a pop-up cinema to your neighbourhood? Art, theatre, music, comedy – that’s what Culture in Common is aiming to deliver to the area in the next few years.
If your organisation wants to stand with BLOC in supporting the region’s independent music scene we want to hear from you.