The John Hansard Gallery’s (JHG) Summer School has received a donation of £1,000, from local housebuilder, Persimmon Homes.

The gallery’s summer school helps children aged 7-12, from a range of different backgrounds, to explore and develop their creative interests during the summer holidays. The JHG summer school was selected by us from dozens of entries across the South Coast to receive the award.

Lynne Dick, Head of Engagement & Learning at John Hansard Gallery said:  

“JHG summer school provides children with the opportunity to get creative, improve their skills and make new friends, through a series of artist-led activities which are inspired by the themes in the exhibition.

“For some of these young people, taking part in JHG’s Summer School will be the first time they have visited an art gallery, so we are very grateful to Persimmon for their generous donation which has helped enable the project to go ahead.”

Ian Beal, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes South Coast commented:

“Southampton is renowned for its history, culture and creative excellence. Persimmon is absolutely delighted to support the John Hansard Gallery as it widens participation amongst Southampton’s children and helps inspire the next generation of artists.”

The donation was made through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, which aims to support charities and voluntary groups in the areas where the company is building new homes.

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council added:

“Southampton has a rich cultural offering but it is important that everyone in the city, regardless of background, has the opportunity to enjoy it. That is why the John Hansard Gallery summer school is such a brilliant project.

“I’m also delighted to see major companies continuing to support and invest in Southampton’s cultural sector. This is a further vote of confidence and I’d like to thank Persimmon for their support.”