Portsmouth’s creative sector is flourishing, with more than £690,000 in national investment leveraged thanks to a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) match funding initiative led by Portsmouth Creates in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.
In the 2024/25 financial year, £57,029 in grants were distributed to 20 local creative organisations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—unlocking an impressive £718,193 in additional national funding from bodies including Arts Council England and the British Film Institute (BFI).
Real Results, Real Impact
This targeted investment has already delivered measurable outcomes:
- 322 new jobs created
- 10 jobs safeguarded
- 14 enterprises introduced new or improved products/services
- 6 organisations entered new markets
- 12 early-stage businesses increased revenue
- 1 new creative enterprise launched
These outcomes underscore the power of strategic investment in grassroots creativity backed by wraparound business support from Portsmouth Creates to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
“This funding continues to prove transformational not only for individual creatives but for Portsmouth’s wider creative economy,”
— Gemma Nichols, Executive Director, Portsmouth Creates
A Diverse Mix of Supported Projects
From inclusive technology labs to street art festivals, refugee-led storytelling and mental health-focused art spaces, the latest funding round supported a vibrant range of projects, including:
- Play Office (Ankledeep Studios) – Building an immersive tech lab with artist mentorship.
- Creative Harbour’s The Oyster House – A new play exploring harbour heritage.
- City Arts CIC’s Pose 25 – A city-wide open studios event supporting artists’ mental health.
- 432 Nomads – A community-led, refugee storytelling programme for Refugee Week 2025.
- Arts Up CIC’s Look Up Festival – Featuring over 100 permanent murals and a female artists’ development strand.
“Our goal is sector growth through support, skills development, and sustainable infrastructure. By pairing funding with guidance, we’re helping creatives gain the confidence and tools to grow.”
— Gemma Nichols, Portsmouth Creates
“Portsmouth’s creative sector is a vital part of our city’s identity and economy. This funding helps local talent to flourish, supports jobs and brings communities together through culture. We’re proud to back initiatives like this that deliver real benefits for residents and strengthen our creative future.”
— Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cabinet Member for Culture
This funding forms part of Portsmouth Creates’ broader mission to grow a thriving creative ecosystem across the city.
Photos courtesy 432 Nomads, Refugee Week 2025, photographer Reza Etemadi.
