We Connect 2024 has been hailed a success after bringing together local creatives, arts organisations, and charities for a dynamic day of collaboration at Fratton Park. Hosted by Portsmouth Creates, the event enabled meaningful discussions, strengthened community connections, and explored how creative engagement, participation and co-creation can support active and meaningful change across communities and places.

Delegates participated in panel discussions, hearing from inspiring local, regional, national and international case studies, addressing topics such as public engagement in the arts, co-creation and volunteering.  The event provided a platform for creatives to learn, exchange ideas, and connect with the ambitions to create lasting impact through their work with communities in Portsmouth.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the event for its focus on creative connections and providing practical insights into strengthening the local creative ecosystem – with local, regional and national creative community examples.

Through discussions and interactive workshops, the event emphasised the importance of collaboration between different sectors, from non-profit organisations to individual creatives. This exchange of knowledge and ideas is expected to lead to community-led projects that enhance cultural participation and create more opportunities for local creatives.

Gemma Nichols, Chief Executive at Portsmouth Creates commented on the significance of the event “We are thrilled with the success of We Connect 2024. It is a testament to the power of collaboration in our creative community, and we hope that the connections made today will lead to exciting, sustainable creative ventures for Portsmouth in the future that will enable greater impacts for our community”