We Thrive is a tailored artist development programme designed to support creative growth through mentorship, funding and confidence-building.

Created by Portsmouth Creates, the programme is built around each artist’s individual needs, pairing them with experienced mentors who help refine their craft, grow audiences and support their next creative steps. Each participant receives a £1,000 development bursary, enabling them to invest directly in their practice — from equipment and training to new creative experiences — guided by sector professionals.

We Thrive is about more than skills development. It’s about helping artists feel supported, seen and equipped to build sustainable creative careers.

We Thrive 2025/26

For 2025/26, We Thrive is delivered in partnership with Portsmouth Pride. This year’s cohort brings together a vibrant mix of spoken word artists, drag performers, singers and musicians.

As part of their mentoring journey, artists will take to the stage at Portsmouth Pride 2026, one of the city’s most popular annual events, showcasing their development as professional performers. In 2024, Portsmouth Pride welcomed up to 20,000 attendees to Southsea Common, with a headline line-up including Nadine Coyle, Sabrina Washington and Victoria Scone.

“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.”

CP Robinson, Co-Chair and Campaigns Manager, Pride Portsmouth Trust

“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.”

Gemma Nichols, Chief Executive, Portsmouth Creates

We Thrive forms part of the wider Place Partnership initiative, championing creativity, community and artist development across Portsmouth.

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

Stay Connected

For updates on We Thrive and other Portsmouth Creates opportunities, follow us on social media or get in touch at info@portsmouthcreates.co.uk