A previously vacant amusement arcade in Portsmouth’s city centre is set to be transformed into a vibrant community venue for young people.
The initiative is led by Portsmouth Creates in partnership with national youth arts charity Artswork. This will see Playland on Commercial Road become a safe and creative space. Aiming to drive skills development and career pathways in the creative industries.
Designed with a co-creation approach, young people will shape the services and activities. This will bring the space to life based on their needs and aspirations.
Additionally, Portsmouth Creates, a local organisation dedicated to supporting the growth of Portsmouth’s creative community, will relocate to the space with a mission to build and manage a new creative ecosystem, nurturing new, emerging, and established micro-creatives, SMEs, and freelance artists, helping them reach their full potential.
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates said:
“According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the creative sector employs over 2 million people, representing 6% of the UK workforce.
“Our vision is to help shape Portsmouth’s creative future by providing spaces where young people can collaborate with established creatives, share ideas, and build essential skills for their careers.”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged £25,000 to fund activities at Playland for support. This aims to reduce anti-social behaviour by fostering positive engagement and a sense of pride and ownership among young people.
Gemma added:
“By addressing key social challenges, we aim to create sustainable opportunities and career pathways for Portsmouth’s young people. This empowers them to build a brighter future through creativity.”
Annabel Cook, Deputy Chief Executive at Artswork, said:
“This new creative hub represents a real opportunity for young people in Portsmouth. Allowing them to take the lead in shaping their future. The space, which is currently a blank canvas, will be developed and run by young people for young people. It will be exciting to see what their ideas are and what activities they decide are relevant for them and their peers.”
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, highlighted the significance of this initiative for the city, adding:
“The Playland project is a fantastic example of how creative thinking and partnerships can come together to support Portsmouth’s future.
By giving our young people a space to thrive and develop, we’re ensuring that the city’s cultural and creative industries continue to grow and flourish. This initiative also helps address one of our key priorities. This is by tackling generational unemployment by creating sustainable career pathways for our young people.”
For more information about Portsmouth Creates Link to www.portsmouthcreates.co.uk