IN OUR WORDS – GET INVOLVED IN PORTSMOUTH’S 2025 YEAR OF LITERATURE

We invite artists, writers, performers, and community groups to take part in a year-long celebration of Portsmouth’s rich literary heritage and future – IN OUR WORDS.

We’re seeking creative projects, events, and activations to contribute to the Literature and Literacy theme running across 2025, with a focus on activities from 1st April 2025.

Submission Deadline: Monday, 10th February 9:00 AM

2025 will be a landmark year for Portsmouth as we collectively celebrate our literary heritage, seek to collectively tackle literacy challenges, and showcase creative innovation. This is a chance to amplify Portsmouth’s voice both locally and nationally, highlighting the incredible talent and stories within our community.

What We’re Looking For

Whether you’re an individual creative or part of a group, we want your ideas to shape this year-long programme. Your project could:

• Reflect Portsmouth’s literary heritage or future potential
• Address literacy challenges in innovative ways
• Create community connections through literature and creativity
• Activate interactive workshops, performances, or storytelling

This is an opportunity to collaborate with others, bring your ideas to life, and play a key role in this citywide celebration.

How to Apply

Email your project outline, including how it aligns with the Literature and Literacy theme, to projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk by Monday, 10th February, 9:00 AM.

Need advice? If you’d like guidance on your idea or need more details, contact us at the same email address.

Why Participate?

• Be part of a year-long celebration and activation of Portsmouth’s literary heritage.
• Help address literacy challenges and inspire new connections through literature.
• Showcase your creative talent on a wider stage.
• Access funding of up to £3,000* to support your project or use it as match funding for larger applications. *Subject to availability.

 In Our Words is a celebration of:

• Literary Heritage: Honouring the city’s historic contributions to literature.
• Creative Innovation: Highlighting the talents of today’s writers, artists, and performers.
• Community Impact: Fostering literacy, creativity, and connections across all ages.

This initiative aims to make a lasting impact, raising awareness of literacy challenges, increasing access to literature, and putting Portsmouth on the map as a cultural and literary hub.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Portsmouth’s literary legacy and help shape a year to remember!

Email your outline to projects@portsmouthcreates.co.uk