Playland
A new venue in Portsmouth by and for people under 30
We are re-imagining Playland – the abandoned arcade on Commercial Road – into a vibrant, youth-led creative space.
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.
About the project
Playland Creative Hub
A new home for creativity, collaboration and opportunity in Portsmouth
Once a derelict amusement arcade at the top of Commercial Road, Playland Creative Hub has been transformed into a vibrant two-storey cultural space bringing together young people, artists and creative businesses in the heart of Portsmouth.
A joint venture between Artswork and Portsmouth Creates, the hub is designed to empower young people, grow the city’s creative economy and make the arts accessible for everyone.
Playland
Created by under 30’s, for under 30’s
On the ground floor, Playland is a creative venue designed and run by under 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.
Under 30? Join one of our Playland email lists to stay up to date.
Under 16? We have some exciting workshops coming up for you.
Create at Playland
A workspace for Portsmouth’s creative entrepreneurs
Upstairs, Create at Playland, led by Portsmouth Creates, provides affordable workspaces for small (yet mighty!) creative businesses. These spaces offer a supportive home, helping them connect and the wider creative community.
Businesses based here, Downtown Pompey, Pompey Darkroom and Portsmouth Pride will also play a key role in supporting the youth programmes downstairs at Playland, offering mentoring, work experience and career pathways into the creative industries.
Together, Create at Playland and Playland form a connected ecosystem of creativity, skills development and opportunity.
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.
The Playland project has emerged from previous conversations with local young people, who expressed that there was a lack of spaces where they felt real safety and belonging. Playland will provide this space, as well as driving skills development and pathways into the creative industries.
Between running workshops and meeting the wider public, we’ve been able to create 3 opportunities for young people with no prior professional experience and reward them for their time. As Playland’s Creative Engagement Practitioner, taking on my first post-university role in the same city I grew up in makes me especially proud of the supportive environment we are creating.
How can I get involved?
The way that Playland will look and run is all down to you. Here’s how you can join our team of under 30s leading this project.
Shape Playland
Between 16 and 30 years old? Help us shape Playland
Creative projects & events coming up
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)
Projects for under 16’s 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
Saturday 15 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.
Are you an artist, creative business or collective in Portsmouth and beyond? Here’s how you can get involved:
- We offer space hire at affordable rates. As part of our space hire model, one of our capable under 30’s in the Playland leadership group will also be on hand to assist your workshop/event. Please enquire for more details.
- We also host free taster workshops for young people in the city, so that more under 30’s have the opportunity to get involved in Playland. If you’d like us to deliver a free workshop with young people in your organisation who may be interested in youth leadership at Playland, get in touch to grab a slot before they are gone. Email Anastasia at anastasiaalexandru@artswork.org.uk
- We’re also really excited about offering young people training opportunities, so if you have any specialist skills that you’d like to offer as a development opportunity for our under 30’s, do reach out to us by emailing playland@artswork.org.uk
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.
