Where creativity connects and communities grow

Portsmouth is a city of opportunity and creativity

Portsmouth Creates champions the city’s creativity and cultural community. We connect, support and advocate for creative people and organisations, creating opportunities for the development of people, skills, businesses and the city.

We believe access to creativity and culture empowers people and shapes place. Through collaboration, we’re contributing to a vibrant, inclusive Portsmouth with a strong sense of identity, heritage and ambition.

Looking for support?

We provide help to local creatives in many ways including:

Funding

Starting out

Skills development

Business development

Marketing

Get featured

Creative directory

Networking

We Create Markets

We Connect events

Finding space

Something else

Portsmouth Creative Directory

Discover, connect, create.

Portsmouth is bursting with creativity, from artists and makers to designers, photographers, and creative businesses shaping the city’s story. The Portsmouth Creative Directory brings all this talent together in one place.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, commissioning bespoke work, or sourcing creative services for a business project, the directory has something for everyone. Browse photography, jewellery, art, makers, spaces for hire, and more, then connect directly through the contact form.

For creatives, it’s a platform to showcase work, reach new clients, and join a growing network.

Our recent projects

UK City of Culture

Portsmouth is launching an ambitious, city-wide bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, led by Portsmouth Creates and shaped by the people, places and creativity that define the city.

We Shine

We Shine is a citywide festival of light and creativity dedicated to enriching Portsmouth’s cultural landscape, providing an accessible and creative winter celebration that brings together the community and showcases diverse artistic talents.

In Our Words

IN OUR WORDS was a year-long festival of literature, literacy, and storytelling – designed to inspire, engage, and connect people of all ages.

We Create Markets

We Create Market is hands on support for Portsmouth’s Creatives and communities. It is an opportunity for sellers to reach new people and for residents to buy from local artisans.

Playland Creative Hub

A new home for creativity, collaboration, and opportunity in Portsmouth.

Once a derelict amusement arcade at the top of Commercial Road, Playland Creative Hub has been transformed into a vibrant two-storey cultural space, bringing together young people, artists, and creative businesses in the heart of Portsmouth.

A joint venture between Artswork and Portsmouth Creates, the hub is designed to empower young people, grow the city’s creative economy, and make the arts accessible to everyone.

Explore our resource hub

Whether you’re just starting out or an established creative, Portsmouth Creates is here to support you.

Our Resource Hub is packed with guides, tips, and tools to help you thrive, covering everything from funding and digital culture to building your social presence and growing your creative business.

Read our latest news

  • PORTSMOUTH SUBMITS BID TO BECOME UK CITY OF CULTURE 2029

    Portsmouth has submitted its Expression of Interest to become UK City of Culture 2029, setting out a vision that places young people at the heart of the city’s future...

  • FEBRUARY – BUSINESS SUPPORT EVENTS

    February brings a range of opportunities designed to support and strengthen the creative business sector...

  • PORTSMOUTH CREATES SHORTLISTED FOR A BUSINESS AWARD

    Portsmouth Creates has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Culture and Leisure Business of the Year award at the 2026 Portsmouth Business Awards...

  • Portsmouth BookFest: Film Programme – IN OUR WORDS 2026

    Portsmouth BookFest: Film Programme Date: 17th February - 1st March Time: Multiple Location: Multiple Cost: Mixed Join Portsmouth BookFest as they return for another exciting year of programming, celebrating the literary greats of the city.

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