We’re delighted to officially announce that Daniel Crow, Director of ‘a space’ arts, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Artists and Arts and Heritage.
Since 2002, Dan has worked alongside an incredible community of artists, coworkers, freelancers, trustees, partners, volunteers, and supporters to create opportunities for artists to flourish across Southampton. Together, the ‘a space’ arts community reopens and culturally reanimates overlooked spaces where people can connect through culture, foster connections and cultivate communities that provide a sense of belonging, mutual support and collective resilience.
While the award is presented to Dan, it reflects the dedication, talent, and enthusiasm of the many people who have contributed to the journey of ‘a space’ arts from humble artist-led beginnings to becoming a charity and Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. These achievements have been built through collaboration and a shared belief in the value of creativity, culture and community.
As we prepare to celebrate our 25th Anniversary in 2027, this honour feels like both a celebration of everything achieved so far and an exciting step towards the future of ‘a space’ arts. We remain committed to supporting artists, reaching new audiences, and helping make Southampton an even more joyful and creative place to live, work, and visit.




