Community involvement
Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT) – Stepping Stones at the ARC
Stepping Stones provides sustained, high-quality art programmes for children and young people who may otherwise have limited access to regular arts opportunities, helping them discover joy and inspiration in the arts and a sense of connection to their local museum or gallery.
Each annual programme runs in five‑week blocks across the year, with clear goals linked to the art form being explored. Sessions take place in Hampshire Cultural Trust’s museums, galleries and arts centres, where collections and exhibitions form part of the learning environment. At The Arc in Winchester, for example, participants used an exhibition exploring how nature shaped the Morris family’s art as the starting point for their own creative responses. If you would like further details, please contact us.
Chesil theatre
The Arts Society Winchester is a proud sponsor of Youth projects at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester’s leading amateur theatre.
Peter Symonds Arts students
Each year, we also support the students at Peter Symonds College whose works of art are submitted to The Arts Society’s 'A' Level Student Art Competition. In recent years, these students have achieved both first and second places nationally, and the quality of their work is always highly praised by the Arts Society Judging Panel.
The winner of The Arts Society's 2025/26 A Level Art Competition is Pax McDowell from Truro School for his piece, Urchin & Bowl (inspired by Barbara Hepworth). Pax was put forward by The Arts Society Truro.
Pax said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to have my copper urchin chosen as it represents so much of my home county, Cornwall and our amazing marine environment, the inspiration of so many artists. I would like to thank my teachers at Truro School and in the wider community, local artists and the Cornish craftsmen who took time to pass on endangered copper working skills and techniques, so I could use them myself to bring my vision to life.”
Chris Baker, Head of Design and Technology, Art and Design 3D at Truro School, added, "Pax's work celebrates and sympathetically draws from Cornwall's skilled craftsmen and women, while reflecting its wonderful marine environment. His maturity and skill in working with his hands to shape this beautiful piece of work will continue to help inspire young artists at Truro School and in the wider community and we are hugely excited and grateful to have had this work recognised by The Arts Society for the A Level prize."
In second place, is Erika Ralph from St Peter’s School, Huntingdon with her piece, Recipe for Disaster. She was nominated by The Arts Society Huntingdonshire.
In third place, is James Lawless from Kimbolton School with his piece, Dance. James was nominated by The Arts Society Huntingdonshire