Portsmouth City Council

21/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 21/08/2024 23:41

Funding for artists and creatives to pursue their passions

Portsmouth artists and creatives gathered to hear how funding available from Arts Council England is helping people to pursue their creative passions.

The free workshop was held in the historic Round Tower of Hotwalls Studios in August and jointly organised by Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates.

Hotwalls Studios' resident artists attended alongside 20 other Portsmouth creatives. They heard from Arts Council England's South West representative, Sarah Madden, who travelled to Portsmouth to deliver a workshop on Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grants.

The workshop also heard from a successful grant applicant, local photographer Karl Bailey of Pompey Darkroom, who shared his own experience and how the funding has helped him make pivotal work.

Karl said: "I never thought I'd get DYCP but I decided to try and it was a surprise when I did.

"It allowed me the time and access to things I otherwise wouldn't have been able to get. It gave me new skills, connected me with new people, it changed my approach to my practice in lots of different ways and it really gave me validation as an artist."

For many, this was the first time they had heard about or considered these grants that enable individual artists to make a step change in their creative practice.

The session was also an opportunity for creatives to share their perspectives, ask questions, and more importantly, to reflect on their own artistic journeys.

Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: "DYCP is an excellent scheme which enables creatives to explore how they can apply their skills to new media and expand their creativity.

"It's fantastic to see such a good turnout for this Arts Council England workshop and I look forward to seeing more successful bids from local artists and where their creative journeys then lead them."

Find out more about Arts Council England DYCP grants and how to apply.