John Hansard Gallery

John Hansard Gallery is a world leading centre for contemporary art. Launched in 1980, the Gallery showcases innovative work by UK and international artists through exhibitions, off-site projects, research, publications, education and outreach programmes. Bringing artists and communities together, the Gallery makes a vital contribution to the cultural life of the city and region and encourages new practice by today’s best artists and curators. 

Our programme consists of five exhibitions per year in our main site in Highfield, alongside innovative off-site projects in other citywide locations and touring projects with galleries and institutions elsewhere in the UK and internationally. We aim to reveal the rich diversity of contemporary art, from emerging talents to major international figures, from solo projects to historical surveys, and from painting, sculpture and photography, to film, performance, installations and digital media. Rooted in a research-led ethos, our programme seeks to bring together rigorous scholarship and contemporary art practice, presented to the widest possible audience. At the heart of our programme is the belief that contemporary art can transform the way we look at—and understand—the world, and inspire people from all backgrounds and ages. 

In 2016, the John Hansard Gallery will move to a new city centre location as part of Southampton’s new arts complex, a VIP Project for the city supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, led by Southampton City Council in partnership with Grosvenor Developments Ltd. 

John Hansard Gallery is part of the University of Southampton and supported by Arts Council England.