Inclusion In The Arts

About We Connect

We Connect serves as a mechanism for bringing together Portsmouth’s creative and cultural sector. Through networking and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, delegates will have the chance to learn from one another, share experiences, and develop new ideas.

We Connect is curated and delivered by Portsmouth Creates, a local community interest company with a mission to drive the collective growth of Portsmouth’s creative economy. Our goal is to build a more confident and resilient sector through shared learning and experiences.

We Connect Aims

Inspire: Discover new perspectives and ideas that can elevate your creative practice.

Collaborate: Create shared learning experiences and meaningful partnerships that can lead to inclusive projects and opportunities.

Contribute: Play a vital role in shaping the future of Portsmouth’s creative community by sharing your voice and expertise.

About the Conference

We Connect 2025 – Inclusion in the Arts, in partnership with This New Ground, is a one-day event bringing together inclusive arts practitioners, organisations, and artists from Portsmouth and across the UK. Together, we’ll explore how we can build a more diverse cultural landscape, one where people with a disability are not only included but also leading the way.

What to Expect

The day is structured into three session blocks. In each block, you’ll choose one of three different session formats:

Panel Talks (Listen & Reflect): Hear from leading voices in inclusive arts as they share lived experiences and discuss pressing issues such as working with artists with a learning disability, making governance accessible, and the future of access for audiences.

Skills Sharing (Learn by Doing): Take part in practical sessions designed to give you tools you can use straight away, from diversifying income and international working to inclusive leadership in dance.

Creative Workshops (Make Together): Hands-on, disability-led sessions spotlighting the work of artists with a learning disability. These workshops are an opportunity to experience inclusive practice directly through creative processes, including inclusive digital art and mindful, sensory making.

Who It’s For

This event is for artists, organisations, trustees, producers, students, and anyone who wants to make their practice or institution more inclusive. The day is open to all, including people with a disability/learning disability and neurodiversity, with different forms of participation to suit everyone, from sitting back and listening, to practical learning, to hands-on creative activity. A quiet space will be available throughout the day.

Access

We’re committed to an access-first experience. The venue offers step-free access throughout, and a quiet space will be available throughout the day. A communication and sensory map of the programme will be provided, along with BSL interpretation and dedicated access staff to support attendees. All sessions are opt-in, with different ways to take part, so you can choose the form of participation that works best for you.

Agenda: Thursday 25th September 2025

10:00 – Arrivals and Refreshments

10:30 – Welcome

11:00 – Session 1 (choose Panel Talk, Creative Workshop, or Skills Sharing)

11:45 – Comfort Break

12:15 – Session 2 (choose Panel Talk, Creative Workshop, or Skills Sharing)

13:00 – Lunch

14:00 – Session 3 (choose Panel Talk, Creative Workshop, or Skills Sharing)

15:00 – Closing Session

15:30 – Networking

17:00 – Event Close

***** NOTICE FOR BOOKING *****

Please book one General Admission ticket per attendee. Then select and book a ticket for each session block (Sessions 1, 2, and 3). If a session is unavailable, it has sold out.

Portsmouth Creates CIC Registered in England Number 12367811. 1- 6 City Buildings, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 4BD