The University of Winchester and The Point, Eastleigh, have signed a five-year agreement to cooperate across a range of artistic and academic areas.
Established in 1996, The Point is an arts venue specialising in contemporary dance, theatre, comedy and film. An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, the venue has a trailblazing Associate and @HOME artist scheme, supporting emerging and established companies.
The University of Winchester teaches programmes in a wide range of performing arts subjects, including drama, dance comedy, theatre production and musical theatre.
The agreement includes opportunities for Winchester students to undertake work placements at The Point, and for The Point's staff and creative associates to be involved in teaching activities at the University.
There will also be opportunities for Winchester students to go behind the scenes at The Point to see works-in-progress from some of the country's most exciting artists creating work in the venue's bespoke Creation Space.
In addition, the two organisations are looking to cooperate more closely in academic research and creative productions.
One such production is the University's BA Dance programme annual show, which is staged each spring at The Point. The show sees students from all levels of study at the University working with in-house and guest choreographers in a major professional production.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience with a nationally-renowned arts organisation," said University of Winchester Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joy Carter DL CBE. "The Point shares our commitment to cultural innovation and regional engagement, so this is a great match."
"We're very happy to be committing to such a long-term relationship with the University," added Sacha Lee, Artistic Director at The Point. "We are both committed to bringing the very best artistic experiences and educational opportunities to the communities we serve, locally, nationally and internationally."
The University of Winchester has also recently signed five-year agreements with Theatre Royal Winchester, the Hat Fair and Blue Apple Theatre.
"It's wonderful to add The Point to our growing family of valued cultural partners," said Professor Alec Charles, Dean of the University's Faculty of Arts. "We look forward to extending our work together to enhance the creative experiences of both our students and our audiences."
Photo: Stephen John Cook