Portsmouth Creative Skills
Portsmouth Creative Skills is a transformative pre-employability programme that helps young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and discover new possibilities for their future.
About
Portsmouth Creative Skills combines creative exploration with practical workplace and communication skills development. Participants work alongside creative professionals and take part in cultural visits, gaining firsthand experience of the diverse opportunities available in the creative sector.
Delivered in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, this intensive 7‑week programme focuses on supporting care experienced and estranged young people aged 16 – 24.
Each year the programme culminates in a week-long project, where participants collaborate as a team with a professional artist to create a collective artwork. This hands-on experience helps young people discover their creative potential while developing teamwork skills.
The programme offers tangible benefits including nationally recognised qualifications such as the Bronze Arts Award and digital badges.
Participants also receive support to progress into further education, training, or employment. Previous participants have continued their development through other Artswork programmes, including Breakthrough and Creative Apprenticeships.
I didn't know I was arty before. I've been getting my own art instincts and trying my own styles. I feel I'm much more arty now, I realise I've got art in me, and that makes me feel confident in myself.