We Thrive is a tailored artist development programme designed to nurture creative growth through mentorship, funding and confidence-building.
Established by Portsmouth Creates in 2025, the programme is shaped around the individual needs of each artist. Participants are paired with experienced mentors who provide personalised support to help refine their practice, grow their audiences and take the next steps in their creative journey.
Each artist receives a £1,000 development bursary, giving them the flexibility to invest in their creative practice in ways that matter most to them. Whether that’s purchasing equipment, accessing training, developing new work or exploring inspiring creative opportunities, the bursary is designed to support meaningful professional development with guidance from industry professionals.
Why Mentoring Matters
More than a skills development programme, We Thrive is about helping artists feel supported, valued and connected.
By building confidence, increasing visibility and providing practical opportunities for growth, the programme equips artists with the tools, networks and experience to build sustainable creative careers.
Meet the We Thrive Artist Cohort 2025/26
Brenda Rant
Drag performer developing skills in costuming and stage presentation
Chris Young
Musical theatre-trained singer rebuilding confidence and visibility
Elysia Sheridan
Aspiring full-time musician focused on tech skills, branding and songwriting
Theo Dussek
Singer-songwriter seeking guidance on gig networking, ethics policies and digital growth
Han Newton
Poet expanding from written word to live performance
AID-Y
Drag performer exploring poetry and multimedia practice
Tooty Frooty
Drag and dance performer refining cabaret craft
Ben Eales
Singer-songwriter exploring visual identity and live performance aesthetics
Abder
Performer balancing singing and dance, building confidence and brand
Hannah Clark
Singer-songwriter recording original music and planning a debut launch event
“This programme perfectly represents what we’re aiming to achieve by hosting UK Pride – shining a national spotlight on diverse talent and using that platform to inspire and develop local performers.”
“We Thrive is born from our commitment to creative growth. Portsmouth is a treasure trove of local talent, and this programme allows us to champion artists while offering meaningful, lasting support.”
We Thrive forms part of the wider Place Partnership initiative, championing creativity, community and artist development across Portsmouth.
A Collaborative Approach
Mentoring can take many forms, from one-to-one coaching and peer support to organisational mentoring programmes and networking opportunities. Each approach creates space for meaningful conversations, shared learning and the exchange of ideas.
By bringing together people with different experiences and expertise, Mentoring Matters helps foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous development across the creative sector.
We Thrive 2025/26
For 2025–26, We Thrive is delivered in partnership with Portsmouth Pride, bringing together a vibrant cohort of spoken word artists, drag performers, singers and musicians.
As part of their mentoring journey, participants were invited to perform on stage at Portsmouth Pride 2026, one of the city’s biggest annual celebrations, attracting more than 20,000 people to Southsea Common each year. Although the event was unfortunately cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, the artists will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and celebrate the progress they’ve made at the Portsmouth Pride Community Event in October 2026.
This partnership offers emerging artists valuable performance opportunities, helping them build confidence, connect with new audiences and take the next step in their creative careers.
Creating Lasting Impact
At its heart, Mentoring Matters is about empowering people to realise their potential. Through guidance, support and shared experience, mentoring acts as a catalyst for growth, helping creative practitioners, businesses and organisations not only navigate change but flourish in an ever-evolving landscape.
Because when people are supported to grow, the whole creative community benefits.
