Join creatives, practitioners, arts and heritage partners, policy and decision makers from across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton for a time of sharing and agenda setting at a pivotal moment for our region.
This event is a chance for our creative community to come together and better understand the potential opportunities within a new Mayoral Combined County Authority. Building on work already undertaken across Hampshire and the Solent, attendees will be presented with an overview of the views shared so far on this journey and have an opportunity to respond to the emerging grassroots vision for culture.
We’ll hear from political and sector leaders, including those who are ahead of us on the journey to champion culture in devolved authorities. Breakout sessions will draw out themes and opportunities from across places and disciplines so that the region’s cultural and creative sectors can speak with one voice.
Together, we can ensure that arts, culture, creativity and heritage are not just part of the conversation, but central to the vision for a new, confident and inclusive future.
📆 Friday 5th December at The Lens Studio in Portsmouth Guildhall, 11am-2:30pm & Online
We ask that anybody who’d like to attend in person or digitally from the Island, to please use this link to book your space: bit.ly/4n67wHa
Travel:
Please note that the event is scheduled from 11am-2:30pm, with half an hour networking sessions half an hour before (10:30am-11am) and after (2:30pm-3pm).
To arrive on time, we’re recommending you catch the 09:45am ferry from Ryde Pier (Wightlink), where you’ll have time to network before the 11am start. After the event, the ferry’s back to the Isle of Wight are either 3:15pm, or 4:15pm. Portsmouth Guildhall is a 15-20 minute walk from Portsmouth Docks, please take that into consideration when checking ferry travel.
If you have any questions, please email Sam on sam@creativeisland.org.
FAQ’s:
Do I need to be there for the whole time?
In-person attendees are encouraged to stay for the full event and make the most of opportunities to hear the guest speakers and spend time in break out groups. The timings for the day have been set to align to the timetable for travel to and from the Isle of Wight via ferry.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is provided for in-person attendees. Dietary requirements will be captured at point of booking.
What is the best way to travel to the event?
We would encourage in-person attendees to consider active and public transport option. Portsmouth Guildhall is accessible via train and bus, including park and ride, as well as car and ferry.
How accessible is the venue?
The in-person gathering is taking place at The Lens Studio at Portsmouth Guildhall. There is step-free access to The Lens Studio where the event will be hosted. There are accessible toilets throughout the building, and a hearing induction loop is also available. A full access guide and visual story are available on the venue website.
How is the event funded?
This event is jointly funded by the cultural development agencies working across Hampshire and The Solent: Creative Island, Culture Connects, Portsmouth Creates and Southampton Forward.
