Sting by Zest Collective at the Old Sail Loft

Posted: 20/05/2026

We’re so excited to introduce you to our new (temporary) space, the Old Sail Loft at Shamrock Quay!

 

Launching Sting! By Zest Collective, their ninth exhibition and second instalment. This group show brings together 18 artists in an exploration of resilience and creative survival.

 

Opening Launch:

Friday 12th June, 6pm – 10pm 

Expect live music from Address Collective, a bar, and artist talks throughout the evening.

 

Exhibition Dates:

• Saturday 13th June, 11am–5pm
• Sunday 14th June, 11am–5pm
• Saturday 20th June, 11am–5pm
• Sunday 21st June, 11am–5pm

 

Location:

The Old Sail Loft, Building 3, Shamrock Quay, Lower William Street, Southampton, SO14 5QL

 

Launch Event Tickets

Book your free ticket the launch event here

 

About the Exhibition

ZEST Collective presents ‘Sting’, their ninth exhibition and second instalment in a series of two. This group show brings together 18 artists in an exploration of resilience and creative survival.

The exhibition title, ‘Sting’ emerges from the emotional impact of rejection, a shared experience which many artists navigate when sustaining a creative practice, whilst also drawing parallel with the literal definition of the venomous sting of the Auger sea snail.

Highlighting the intersection between professional adversity and biological defence the show asks the question: what happens after the sting? Do we retreat, or do we respond?

If the sting is inevitable, ‘Sting’ asks what it means to answer back.  From systemic barriers of   rejection from unanswered applications, loss of funding and the erosion of accessible creative spaces, to the physicality of being stung, this exhibition offers a collective response.

Encompassing works which confront the brief directly and others which reflect more subtly on the theme of defiance and transformation. ‘Sting’ holds this question open, inviting responses that are personal, political, and provocative.

 

Location and Access

The Old Sail Loft is a temporary ‘a space’ arts venue at Shamrock Quay, Southampton.

The main exhibition space can only be accessed by two flights of stairs, approximately 40 in total. The entrance is located on the west side of the building here located at cares.catch.diary on what3words.com. A large space with vaulted ceilings and wooden parquet floor, this expansive room has lots of windows and plenty of natural light, but is unfortunately wheelchair accessible.

At the launch event, attendees will also be able to access a ground-floor space (from 6pm – 8pm). This space will have a screen a short film that documents the exhibition upstairs, allowing visitors to visit the show virtually. There will also be some additional artworks downstairs, a temporary bar and music by local DJs . Doors open out onto a small courtyard and outdoor space and there are two toilets opposite. This space has step-free access but will only be open on Friday 12th June, from 6pm – 8pm for the exhibition launch event.

The short film will also be available on the ‘a space’ arts’ YouTube channel so that anyone who can’t access the exhibition physically will be able to visit it virtually online.

 

Parking and Travel

• On Foot: The Old Sail loft is located at Shamrock Quay, which is a 10 minute walk from St Mary’s Stadium, via Belvidere Road and William Street and a 30 minute walk from Guildhall Square via Northam Road.
• On Train: The closest train station to the Old Sail Loft at Shamrock Quay is Southampton Central, which is a key transport link to cities such as Portsmouth, Winchester and London. The station is also situated close to other transport links such as bus stops and a taxi rank. The station is around a 30 minute walk to the Old Sail Loft. To get to the Old Sail Loft, follow the route through the city centre via New Road and Northam Road. Then take a right through Millbank Street.
• On Bus: The nearest bus stop to Old Sail Loft at Shamrock Quay is on Britannia Road. This bus stop is serviced by the following routes: 3, 14, 16, 18, N18. From there it’s a 13 minute walk via Millbank Street at William Street
• By Car: There’s a car park on-site at Shamrock Quay. Parking is free for 2 hours, £5.50 for up to 4 hours, and £9.00 for up to 8 hours.
• On E-Scooter: Southampton is now a Voi Scooter City. Why not hop on a Voi on your next visit and join the city wideeffort to make our city cleaner, greener and safer. Find your nearest Voi station here www.voiscooters.com/locations/