Indoor arts and crafts market in Southsea giving artists a much-needed boost
and live on Freeview channel 276
This weekend has seen the launch of the We Create Market, set up in what used to be Debenhams in Palmerston Road, Southsea.
It is the brainchild of those behind Victorious and Portsmouth Creates.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTaking place once a month until December, the events give artists from Portsmouth and the surrounding area the chance to sell the artwork they have created during lockdown.
Many artists have struggled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, so these events will help to get them back on their feet.
More than 60 different artisans, from jewellery makers to painters and breweries,
Illustrator Amy Harwood, 28 from Eastleigh, said: ‘This whole idea of an indoor market for people like us is really exciting, and it’s a great environment.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘I’ve been chatting to people all day and everyone is happy that this space is being used for something positive.
‘It is so important that we have events like this because people get to discover new artists – there is a lot of hard work that goes into this stuff and everyone gets a platform to express themselves.’
Alongside the one-way exhibition hall, a side stage was set up for the We Believe Art Trail.
This included 20 artists spreading a message of hope, including visually-impaired artist Clarke Reynolds, from North End.
His piece was a rainbow braille of key worker professions.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: ‘Key workers have been the unsung heroes of the coronavirus pandemic.
‘I wanted to show people how beautiful braille can be, while celebrating people who have done something incredible in the midst of a crisis.
‘Many artists don’t have studios of their own, so having events like this is a great way to promote talent in the city.
‘Regardless of what happens to this old department store in the future, I hope we have more things like this for local artists.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdVisitors to the exhibition were also delighted with the top-quality work on display.
Vicky Piper, 48 from Portsmouth, went along with Steven Piper, 43.
She said: ‘Seeing all these talented artists is absolutely fantastic.
‘People are always talking about helping independent businesses, and this is a great platform to do that.’
The market is open today.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.
The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.
Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.