The Point, Eastleigh has partnered with SoCo Music Project to support the development of local musicians in a new collaborative venture.
The Point’s partnership with SoCo has been growing throughout recent years and in 2017 the organisation became based at the venue. The Foyer Sessions and Anything Funny have since been developed to introduce and promote local new talent in both music and comedy.
The Foyer Sessions provide a platform for local artists to perform original music live to intimate audiences at The Point. This Spring The Foyer Sessions will present music from Chateau Bateau Band, Fly Away Peter and Friends and Tenderlore. Tickets are based on a Pay What You Can scheme and start from £2.50, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to attend live performance.
Anything Funny provides an accessible platform for local people to develop and try out new material at a fun, relaxed Open Mic Night and at Comedy Lab; a collaborative support network for writers and performers.
SoCo Music Project is co-directed by Matt Salvage and Jon Haughton and has been providing vibrant music activity since 2008. The not-for-profit organisation is recognised amongst the leading music delivery organisations in the South, working with young people and vulnerable adults. SoCo Music Project’s vision supports two areas of work: Engage and Elevate. SoCo delivers engaging and life-changing opportunities through music for young people and adults that may face challenges in their lives and are also committed to supporting and nurturing emerging musicians as they try and forge a career in the music industry.
Matt Salvage, Director of SoCo said:
‘SoCo Music Project was made to reimagine the way in which artists receive support and how communities can engage with music. We’re passionate about changing lives through music and provide activities and events that inspire and entertain. Our continuing – and constantly developing – partnership with The Point allows us to work in a new and collaborative way, fusing our different expertise to provide the best opportunities for artists and audiences alike.’
SoCo Music works strategically to enhance music-related opportunities for young people and artists in the region. The Point is dedicated to providing opportunities for young talent to flourish and works closely with artists working across all disciplines, developing new work in all forms. Together, the two organisations work symbiotically to create a vibrant and resilient ecology – developing a good model of practice in partnership working that other regional venues and arts organisations can follow.
The Point is a regional powerhouse for contemporary performance. In 2018 it launches a new @HOME scheme, introducing a new way of working for artists and audiences, alongside its flagship Associate Artist programme for emerging companies. The venue’s continuing relationship with SoCo opens further opportunities to offer platforms and professional development to more artists from all ages, working across all disciplines.
Sacha Lee, Artistic Director at The Point said
‘Working closely with our local creative partners and having a shared ethos is very important in developing a thriving, creative hub in Eastleigh. SoCo Music are able to bring expertise and specialist knowledge to the table, enabling us to increase our cultural offer to local residents and new audiences. We are very pleased they have joined our ‘family’.’
