SouthSeaEyes

ART and connection at the heart of Portsmouth

Something exciting is coming!

This October, our vibrant waterfront city of Portsmouth is promising to breathe new life into our local art scene with the renewed annual Art Trail event – starting this year as Portsmouth Open Studios Event 2024 a.k.a POSE 2024. This is a relaunch and rebrand of the pre-pandemic “Created in Portsmouth” initiative and a successor to the successful 2023 “Southsea Mini Art Trail”.

The Southsea Mini Art Trail is no more. Long Live Portsmouth Open Studios Event 2024.

A Movement Not Just An Event

POSE 2024 is promising to not be just an event, but a movement which brings together artists and community together, significantly enhancing the cultural tapestry of Portsmouth and Southsea. This transformation is spearheaded by City Arts Portsmouth, under the guide of Gavin Hodgson, Deb Dodsworth and Matt Bugeja.

I’ve signed up; and here’s why:

Building a strong foundation:

The success of previous events like “Created in Portsmouth” / “Southsea Mini Arts Trail” has laid a solid groundwork for POSE 2024. The dedication of the events’ predecessors – Lynn Nicholls, Ally Ashworth, Maggie Ambler – to name a few spearheading artists of last year’s Art Trail event, in fostering an arts community provides a robust platform for us all to showcase our work. This evolution promises not only to celebrate artistic talent but also to strengthen our communal bonds through creativity.

Enhancing Community Engagement:

City Arts Portsmouth appears to be at the forefront of merging art with community engagement; Their commitment to enriching the community through creative initiatives offers a meaningful context for the event. Participating in POSE appear to lead into contributing to a broader cultural mission that impacts more than just the artists involved—it touches the entire community. So far, this aligns with my view.

Fee Challenges as Stepping Stones:

While the idea of transforming an event format and introducing participation fees presents its challenges, these changes are necessary for suistainability and future development. For artists concerned about the cost, it’s important to consider the return on investment. The visibility, networking opportunities, and other channel potentials that POSE offers can significantly outweigh the initial fee. Additionally, being part of an event that has a clear plan for sustainability and growth can lead to more opportunities in the future. Facing these challenges head-on is crucial for any artist looking to evolve professionally.

A Platform for Exposure and Growth:

POSE 2024 offers a platform where independent artists like me – not enthralled to a group studio for their equipments – for a chance to potentially enhance our visibility in a supportive environment. The event’s strategies offers each artist’s work a platform for exposure. While results may vary, participating in POSE 2024 provides a chance to engage with new audiences and share our work in a broader context.

While the introduction of a participation fee marks a change from last year’s free event, the benefits provided by POSE 2024—from individual artist showcase, to contributing towards a sustainable future for the event— might offer significant value. For artists aiming to make a mark in the Portsmouth art scene, POSE represents not just an event but a strategic opportunity for growth and exposure.

In my honest opinion, POSE 2024 stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of the many artist volunteers who have shaped Portsmouth’s artistic identity. Being a part of this event is a way to contributing to a legacy of artistic excellence and community spirit.

As we approach the launch of POSE 2024, I encourage my fellow artists to weigh both the benefits and challenges of participating in this reimagined event. It’s an opportunity to be part of something larger than ourselves – a celebration of art that also serves a communal purpose. Together, we may well continue to weave the rich cultural fabric of Portsmouth – making it a focal point of creativity and community resilience.

Watch this space and see where POSE 2024 takes us. While we’re at the starting point of what promises to be an intriguing journey, joining now could lead us into fascinating new chapter of community collaboration and artistic discovery in Portsmouth. Let’s start this adventure together and see how far we can help it grow.

Here’s to new creative artistic landscape,

Here’s to seeding for better,

Your forward-thinking printmaker,

Nusye

City Arts Portsmouth’s POSE website

From Deb Dodsworth and Gavin Hodgson, Directors of CityArts Portsmouth:

How to participate in POSE 2024:

Quick Guide to registration:

Secure your spot by registering before 31st May. A participant fee applies, with an early bird discount available until 6th May.

https://www.cityartsportsmouth.com/events-1

Phase Two: Submit your artist and venue details by 30th June. This ensures all participants are committed and ready, and visitors have the information needed for their visit planning.

Costs involved: Before 6th May, the fee is £65 +2.5% booking fee. After which the fee rises to £75 +2.5%.

Erratum: – pre-2023 Art trail was named “Created In Portsmouth”, and not “Making Portsmouth” as was written before. Both naming convention per Deb Dodsworth, with thanks.