Exhibition: FRUITFUL
FRUITFUL is a six-week programme of exhibitions by emerging artists in Southampton.
Rooted in ‘a space’ arts’ RIPE graduate scheme, delivered in partnership with Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, this celebration of budding talent showcases nearly 40 home-grown artists working in a variety of mediums and practices.
FRUITFUL: Ripe Blueberries - Friday 23rd October - Sunday 1st November
- Ripe Blueberries is an exhibition by this year’s graduating cohort: a group of 12 artists navigating their first few months out of university. Moving on from their ‘final major project’, the artists have met, exchanged ideas and made something new.
- Exhibition Launch Party: Friday 23rd October, 6pm - 9pm
- Exhibition Closing Event: Artist-Led Tour and Discussion: Sunday 1st November, 2pm - 4pm
FRUITFUL: Coconut Shy – Friday 6th – Sunday 15th November
- Coconut Shy brings together eight 2025 graduates who have been working collaboratively over the last year on a circus-themed exhibition that explores speculative story-telling as a framework for individual practices and collective imagining.
- Exhibition Launch Party: Friday 6th November, 6pm – 9pm
- Exhibition Closing Event: Artist-Led Tour and Discussion – Sunday 15th November, 2pm – 4pm
FRUITFUL: ZEST Collective – Friday 20th – Sunday 29th November
- ZEST Collective formed in 2020 as a result of a growing ambition amongst the RIPE artists to establish an independent organisation and lead their own programmes. Six years and many projects later, this exhibition brings together current ZEST members from across the city and beyond.
- Exhibition Launch Party: Friday 20th November, 6pm – 9pm
- Exhibition Closing Event: Artist-Led Tour and Discussion: Sunday 29th November, 2pm – 4pm
What is RIPE?
Established in 2018, the RIPE programme supports graduate artists from Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton to exhibit and engage in artistic exchange and experimentation, forming networks and friendships that will help them sustain a fruitful visual arts practice.
The programme has previously been based at Alfred Arcade, the Hidden Wardrobe and the Alfred Arms on Old Northam Road in Southampton, and is now welcomed at God’s House Tower and the Arches Studios.
Each year, a new cohort is recruited under a different fruit name. Explore previous RIPE projects from the Bananas, Mangoes, Tomatoes, Peaches, Plums, Pears, Papayas and Coconuts.
