This year, the We Create Market introduces a brand-new initiative created for Portsmouth’s next generation of artists and makers: the Young Creates Area! In partnership with HSDC (Havant & South Downs College) and City of Portsmouth College, We Shine is excited to support emerging local creatives, providing them with a unique opportunity to develop their skills, gain hands-on experience, and showcase their work in a real-world market setting.

Students from HSDC and City of Portsmouth College have been invited to participate in an extra-curricular mentorship programme titled Young Creates. Young people learnt the essential skills for taking a creative product from concept to the marketplace, learning the fundamentals of product research and development, design, creative mediums, packaging, marketing, event planning, sales, and risk management — skills that go beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.

The Young Creates area at the We Create Market is a launching pad for these students, giving them a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a supported environment. Not only do they gain real-world trading experience, but they also have the opportunity to engage with their community and showcase their creations alongside established local artists. To make the experience even more accessible, each participating student receives a small bursary from Portsmouth Creates, covering materials and production costs, ensuring they can trade without financial risk.

The Young Creates area is also open to other creative students from the colleges, who will receive support from their tutors to help bring their products to market. This ensures that any young creative interested in participating can do so, benefiting from the knowledge and resources available at their institutions.

The Young Creates area gives these emerging talents a platform to showcase their work, engage with the community, and be part of Portsmouth’s creative scene. By nurturing the creativity of these young makers, We Shine supports a vibrant, innovative future for the city’s creative landscape.

Come by the Pitt Street Skatepark to explore one-of-a-kind gifts, support young local artists.