Playland for 11 – 16’s
Playland: A new venue in Portsmouth by and for people under 30. Wherever you are on your journey and whatever you are passionate about – Playland is a safe space to express yourself, and access opportunities to build skills and experience for your creative career.
Explore what’s on at Playland for 11 – 16 year olds in Portsmouth.
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About
Created by under 30’s, for under 30’s
On the ground floor at Playland Creative Hub* in Commercial Road, Playland is a creative venue designed and run by 16 – 30-year-olds, with support from Artswork. It’s a space to experiment, collaborate and imagine new ideas – a safe space to influence what happens, try out creative projects, and build the confidence and skills to shape their own futures.
Through hands-on experience and creative exploration, Playland helps 16 – 30-year-olds to develop the tools and networks they need to thrive in the creative industries and beyond.
*Playland Creative Hub is a joint venture with Portsmouth Creates, combining Artswork’s youth-led venue ‘Playland’ downstairs, and ‘Create at Playland’ in the space above.
Get involved
Are you 16 – 30 years old? The way that Playland will look and run is all down to you. Explore the main Playland page here for more information or scroll down to get in touch with us:
11 – 16? Come along to one of our FREE upcoming creative workshops or programmes:
Summer Workshops
Join us this Summer:
Sights & Sounds of the City
This summer, Playland is inviting young people aged 11 to 16 to explore Portsmouth through photography and sound. Working alongside Karl Bailey, we will capture the places, sounds and moments that make Pompey feel like home – from iconic landmarks to hidden corners of the city that hold personal meaning.
This will culminate in an exhibition celebrating Portsmouth’s centenary, identity and culture through a fresh perspective.
Dates
Thursday 9 July, 6pm to 9pm – What represents Portsmouth?
Saturday 11 July, 5pm to 9pm – Photography & Sound Walk
Thursday 23 July, 6pm to 9pm – Editing & Curation
Saturday 25 July, 6pm to 9pm – Editing & Curation
Monday 27 July, 6pm to 9pm – Installation Session
Tuesday 28 July, from 5pm – Exhibition Opening
*Please note, we have limited spaces for this workshop, and they are going fast, so make sure you sign up via this link.
UV Spray Painting Exploration with Mark Kellett
Join artist Mark Kellett for a bold new creative project exploring UV spray paint, installation art and immersive visuals.
Over a series of workshops, young people aged 11 to 16 will experiment with glow effects, large-scale artwork and collaborative making to transform the Playland space into a vibrant exhibition experience.
The work will be showcased publicly as part of a final celebration event. We’ll wrap up our UV spray painting workshops as well as our summer of creativity with a Silent Disco at Playland.
Dates
Tuesday 21 July, 6pm to 8pm – Brainstorming & Practical Exploration
Sunday 16 August, 11am to 4pm – Initial Ideas & Spray Painting
Tuesday 18 August, 6pm to 8pm – Development Session
Thursday 20 August, 6pm to 8pm – Exhibition Installation & Finishing Work
Saturday 22 August, times TBC – Exhibition Opening & Silent Disco Event
*Please note, we have limited spaces for this workshop, and they are going fast, so make sure you sign up via this link.
Tuesday Workshops
Workshops For Wellbeing
Held on the first two Tuesdays of every month, these are relaxed social sessions focused on exploring different creative practices and materials.
First Tuesday of every month: Workshops for 11 – 16s
- 6 – 8PM, free entry (all parents/carers must fill in this form prior to attending)
Second Tuesday of every month: Workshops for 16 – 30s
- 6 – 8PM, free entry (no booking required)
Keep in touch
Our socials, mailing lists and contact details here:
Playland has become this incredible space where inspiring, creative people come together to make something magical. To me, Playland is the people - everyone is equal, supported and encouraged to grow. I'm so grateful for the friendships and opportunities it's given me. I wouldn't be who I am today without Playland.
Are you an artist, creative business or collective in Portsmouth and beyond? Visit our main Playland page to find out how to get involved:
Project partners
We’re working with Portsmouth Creates on this project and The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have pledged £25k to support activity at Playland.
In April 2026, we also received £300k for the next three years from The National Lottery Community Fund to help make Playland a success.
