Artswork

Playland Creative Hub is officially open! Last week, we welcomed young creatives and community, cultural and civic partners from across the region to celebrate the launch of this vibrant new space in the heart of Portsmouth. Guests experienced emotive live performances and an immersive art installation, all created and led by the young people driving Playland forward. Playland Creative Hub represents a new and unique collaboration between @_artswork_ and @portsmouthcreates - two creative forces united by a shared belief in the power of creativity to transform lives, communities and places. 📍 Housed in the reimagined former Playland Amusement Arcade at the top of Commercial Road, this two-storey hub is now home to a connected creative ecosystem: 🔹 Playland – a space for youth-led cultural programming @playland.artswork 🔹 Create at Playland – a workspace for creative entrepreneurs and organisations, supporting skills development and offering pathways into Portsmouth’s growing creative industries. Together, these two spaces form a dynamic, inclusive environment that champions collaboration, empowers young voices, and strengthens Portsmouth’s creative economy. This is more than a new venue, it’s a living example of how creativity connects people, place, and possibility across our city. We can’t wait to share more with you. Images by @devplacephotos

For too many young people across the UK, doors keep closing. What if we could change this through creativity? Today we are launching our national campaign ‘What If’ calling for creativity to be prioritised for children and young people. We want to speak with leaders, founders and policy-makers, on the importance of creative opportunities to empower young people within their communities to unlock potential, build confidence and better equip them for their future. Find out more via the link in our bio. With thanks to @threadandfable and @thebankofcreativity and all the young people we’ve worked with for bringing this campaign and video to life. #WhatIf #Artswork #CreativityForChange

Local filmmakers are invited to apply to work with the Isle of Wight Youth Council to create a promotional video to raise its profile and recruit new members. The video will be shown at Artswork’s youth-led film festival - Listen Up! - in October, part of Creative Island’s CAN YOU HEAR US? programme. Up to £2,500 is available for this project. Deadline, 28 May - apply using the link in our bio.

Join Artswork's Youth Board! - Do you love being creative? - Want to run your own projects and see how a national arts charity works behind the scenes? - Keen to ensure real young voices are heard? We are a friendly group of young people aged 14-25 from across the South of England who meet once a month (usually the middle Wednesday 5:30-7pm). Together, we collaborate with artists and creative professionals to develop exciting projects, promotions, and policies for Artswork. Recently, we’ve been developing a very exciting creative event (stay tuned to find out more) and have developed inspiring zines that respond to recurring issues that our Youth Board want to address, like equality. Everything we do is youth-led, supported by Artswork but guided by YOU. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, boost your confidence, and make a real difference for young people in the arts. No experience needed - just curiosity and commitment. We welcome young people from all backgrounds and experiences. Interested? Email Beccy East to find out more at [email protected]

⏰🚨Last chance for employers to apply for Breakthrough for 2026/27 and bring some fresh, young perspective into your team. Please register your interest by Monday 18 May. Click the link in our bio to find out more and to register. #Breakthrough #YouthVoice #CreativityForChange

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and at Artswork, we see every day how creativity empowers young people and supports their wellbeing. We were inspired by the ‘top 10 actions to support good mental health’ resource created by @mentalhealthfoundation to show some of the ways our projects support wellbeing: - Get closer to nature: Young people in Dover created a bioart sculpture and habitat, highlighting the importance of access to outdoor spaces (image 1) - Get creative: Students from the Lavinia Norfolk Centre designed three new public art pieces that transformed their community in and around the school (image 2) - Plan something to look forward to: Young people transformed Sandown Station subway with a vibrant mural, creating an uplifting space for the whole community (image 3) We value mental health and know that creativity, connection, and nature all play a part in supporting young people’s wellbeing. For all ten actions to support good mental health, visit the Mental Health Foundation website: mentalhealth.org.uk #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek2026 #CreativityForWellbeing #YoungCreatives #MentalHealthMatters

We are seeking to commission an experienced Freelance Curator & Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of  Hope – Youth Voices for Change, a major exhibition at Mall Galleries, London (8 – 24 January 2027).  This is a high-profile opportunity to shape and deliver a nationally visible exhibition that amplifies young people’s creative responses to urgent social issues.  About the project:  Hope – Youth Voices for Change is a flagship exhibition of work by or led by young people, made as part of youth-led changemaking commissions enabled by Artswork in multiple communities. It will explore young people’s creative solutions to four key issues; all already identified as major areas of concern by young people:  - Mental health and wellbeing  - Climate and environment  - Community cohesion and belonging  - Youth employment, skills, and future opportunity Apply by 9 June - for full details and how to submit a proposal please visit the link in our bio

Our first UNLEASHED event in Portsmouth brought together creative professionals, organisations, and young people for powerful conversations about youth-led practice. Here's what attendees took away from the day. Ready for the next one? UNLEASHED Cambridge is coming on 17 June 2026! A FREE half-day event putting young people's voices at the heart of creative practice Whether you're a creative organisation, freelancer, or arts professional, join us to: - Hear directly from young people leading change - Learn from keynote speakers sharing real, practical insights - Network with regional creatives and build collaborations - Access resources to embed youth-led practice in your work Tuesday, 17 June 2026 Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Location: Cambridge These sessions are FREE to attend thanks to public funding from Arts Council England @acegrams Spaces are limited - register now via link in bio! Accessibility or group bookings: [email protected] Also coming to Wigan (6 October) Image credit – Cass Productions #UNLEASHED #YouthVoice #CreativePractice #ArtsEngland #Cambridge #YouthLed #CreativeSector

Want to hire a young creative in your organisation but not sure what to expect? Hear what past Breakthrough employers had to say about the programme ✨ With wraparound support for both employers and candidates, we’ll help you build an inclusive workplace, and welcome motivated young people into your team. Click the link in our bio to find out more. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you. Application deadline: 18 May 2026

On Thursday we were joined by @lordmayorofportsmouthuk to officially open our new urban orchard! 🌱🌳 Marking six months from our launch event, our new orchard celebrates the result of an exciting intergenerational community project, turning a previously-derelict outside area in Commercial Road into a new green space! With huge thanks to @action.asylum.portsmouth @portsmouthcityofsanctuary Kitchen of Hope, The Charles Dickens Community Orchard, Southsea Tree Wardens, and the Men’s Shed for all of your help and support 💚 and to artist James Edward Marks for putting on a fantastic installation for us 🍎 We can’t wait for summer! ☀️ 📸 @mr_boltgun_art and @elt.photography_uk #urbanorchard #playlandportsmouth #playland #artswork

Come and join our team! We're hiring a Data Protection & Impact Manager to join Artswork's team. This home-based role sits at the intersection of ethics and evidence ensuring we safeguard people's data while capturing the real impact of creativity in young peoples’s lives. You'll lead on GDPR compliance, develop impact frameworks, and help us tell powerful stories backed by robust data. Join us and help build trust, demonstrate change, and protect what matters most. Closing date: 8 June 2026 Interview will take place on 23 June 2026 Flexible working and a supportive, inclusive environment at Artswork. Apply now via link in our bio #CharityJobs #RemoteWork #CreativeSector

Want to bring fresh talent and new perspectives into your creative organisation? We are here to help you with Breakthrough. Breakthrough is a 6-month programme designed to help Arts, Heritage, and Creative organisations employ 18 tp 25 year olds with full support. What you get: - Expert guidance on scoping entry-level roles - Candidate matching based on your organisation's needs - Ongoing support for both you and your new hire throughout the programme Programme dates: 28 September 2026 – 26 March 2027 Application deadline: 18 May 2026 Join our FREE info session: 6 May, 12:30–13:30 Register your interest: [link in bio] Supported by Arts Council England. #Breakthrough2026 #YouthEmployment #CreativeIndustries #ArtsJobs #TalentDevelopment #EmployYoungPeople #Artswork