Portsmouth Creates: Empowering Portsmouth’s Creative Community
Portsmouth is home to a thriving network of artists, makers, designers, performers, creative businesses and cultural organisations. At Portsmouth Creates, our purpose is simple: to support, connect, and champion the city’s creative and cultural sector, helping creative people and businesses grow, innovate, and succeed.
Whether you’re an established creative entrepreneur, a freelancer building your business, or just beginning your creative journey, Portsmouth Creates is here to help you navigate opportunities, build valuable connections, and maximise your business’ potential.
Supporting Creative Growth
Running a creative business comes with unique challenges, and having the right support can make all the difference.
Portsmouth Creates provides tailored business support designed specifically for the creative sector. From funding guidance and business planning to marketing advice and strategic growth support, our team works alongside creative professionals to help turn ideas into sustainable success.
We understand the realities of working in the creative industries and are committed to providing practical, accessible support that helps creatives thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Building Meaningful Connections
Through our digital platforms, networking opportunities, workshops, and events, we bring Portsmouth’s creative community together. By connecting individuals, businesses, organisations, and cultural leaders, we create opportunities for knowledge sharing, partnerships, and innovation.
Our growing network helps strengthen the city’s creative ecosystem, ensuring that no creative has to work in isolation.
Showcasing Local Talent
Portsmouth is bursting with talent and we’re passionate about creating opportunities for local creatives to be seen and celebrated.
Through initiatives such as We Create Markets, we provide platforms for creatives to showcase their products, services, and artistic practice to new audiences.
These initiatives not only support individual creatives in generating income and growing their visibility but also contribute to Portsmouth’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.
Advocating for the Creative Sector
The creative industries play a vital role in Portsmouth’s economy, identity, and future Portsmouth Creates actively champions the value of the creative sector, working with strategic partners, local stakeholders, and decision-makers to ensure the voices of creatives are heard. Through advocacy and partnership working, we help strengthen opportunities for growth, investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector.
Our Impact in 2024
The past year has demonstrated the incredible strength and potential of Portsmouth’s creative community.
In 2024, Portsmouth Creates:
- Supported over £3 million in funding applications
- Helped create 153 new jobs across the creative sector
- Delivered more than 450 hours of face-to-face business support
- Worked alongside 30+ volunteers
- Welcomed over 1,000 creative businesses, freelancers, and organisations to our business support programme
- Delivered 157 business support events, mentoring sessions, and coaching programmes
- Supported 70 creative businesses to generate income through our We Create Markets
These achievements reflect the power of collaboration, investment, and targeted support in helping Portsmouth’s creative sector flourish.
Join the Creative Community
Portsmouth Creates is more than a support organisation, it’s a community.
We invite you to explore our resources, join the Portsmouth Creative Directory, attend our events, connect with us on social media, and discover how we can support your creative ambitions.
Please fill out the form here if you’re looking for support.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant future for Portsmouth’s creative community.
