Exhibition Closing Event: Artist-Led Tour and Discussion (Coconut Shy)

Event, Exhibitions, Free, In Person, Peer Networks, RIPE, Talks

Sunday 15th November 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm

God's House Tower, Town Quay Road, Southampton, SO14 2NY

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.

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 verity of mediums and practices.

Meet the artists

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.

Other FRUITFUL Exhibitions and Events:

FRUITFUL: ZEST Friday 20th November, 6 – 9pm

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