Dr. Carol Ekinsmyth (University of Portsmouth), The role of space in networks of practice in a mid-sized city: Artists experiences in Portsmouth.

Creative Spaces and Community Faces: The Portsmouth Story

As we gather in our favorite café, nestled in the heart of the Solent region, the atmosphere brims with the familiar comfort of shared interests and diverse expertise. Here, we're a blend of academics, local government officers, and advocates for the creative sector, all united by our passion for the arts and culture. Today, I want to share with you the essence of a thought-provoking presentation I attended, one that offers valuable insights into the creative landscape of Portsmouth, a city that mirrors the potential and challenges of our own Solent region.

Carol Ekinsmyth, an urban and economic geographer from the University of Portsmouth, led the session titled "The role of space in networks of practice in a mid-sized city: Artists experiences in Portsmouth." Her focus? The intricate dance between physical spaces, creative networks, and the community of artists in Portsmouth.

Ekinsmyth, with her keen interest in entrepreneurship, freelancing, precarious work, and gender within the creative industries, delved into the heart of Portsmouth's artistic ecosystem. She posed a compelling question: How much do networks need physical spaces? This query resonates deeply with us in the Solent region, where our creative communities grapple with similar challenges.

The Arts Council England, Ekinsmyth noted, believes in the importance of physical spaces in sustaining communities. Yet, in contrast, Portsmouth's cultural leader, Councillor Steve Pitt, argued in 2019 that the worry of running buildings could overshadow creativity and networking. This dichotomy sets the stage for a deeper exploration of what truly nurtures a creative community.

Ekinsmyth's research, using data from the Portsmouth Creative Census, interviews and participation with local artists, painted a vivid picture of a city bursting with creative potential yet constrained by a lack of space and funding. Portsmouth's vision, as per its City Council, aims to enrich culture and creativity and put culture at the heart of the city's regeneration. But the question remains: How is this vision being actualized?

The story of Portsmouth's artists, particularly those from the Hotwalls Studios, is telling. These artists, initially incubated in council-leased studios, faced displacement in 2023 as their leases expired. This upheaval not only disrupted their creative processes but also their sense of community and identity. Ekinsmyth's continuing involvement with these artists highlights a crucial need – affordable, flexible workspaces that foster visibility and networking.

As we sip our coffees, let's ponder the implications of Ekinsmyth's findings for the Solent region. The artists' desire for business and skills development, mentoring, and representation is not unique to Portsmouth. It's a narrative that likely resonates with many in our own creative communities. The challenge of balancing the need for physical spaces with the flexibility and freedom required by creatives is one we too must navigate.

Ekinsmyth's research underscores several key points for us to consider:

• The Role of Physical Spaces: While physical spaces can anchor a creative community, providing a sense of belonging and opportunity for collaboration, they also come with financial and administrative burdens. How can we, in the Solent region, create sustainable models for such spaces?
• Fostering Networks: The importance of networks that transcend physical boundaries cannot be overstated. These networks can provide support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, irrespective of physical location.
• Understanding Local Needs: Each creative community has its unique needs and challenges. Engaging in dialogue with local artists and creatives is crucial to understanding and effectively addressing these needs.
• Balancing Visibility and Autonomy: While creative hubs can enhance the visibility and legitimacy of artists, there's a delicate balance to be struck. Artists seek visibility without losing their autonomy or becoming instruments of urban regeneration agendas.

As we near the end of our discussion, let's reflect on how we can apply these insights to the Solent region. How can we create spaces and networks that not only support our artists but also respect their independence and unique voices? What steps can we take to ensure that our creative sector is not just surviving, but thriving?

I invite you to share your thoughts and ideas. Let's not just be passive observers of the growth of our region's creative and cultural industries. Let's be active participants, shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic future for the Solent region's arts and culture.

As we part ways, I leave you with a thought-provoking question: In what ways can we, as a community, better support and nurture the creative talents among us, ensuring they have the spaces, networks, and resources they need to flourish?

This blog post is a summary of a presentation given at the Networks of Practice symposium at Solent University on Friday 19^th January 2024. The event was sponsored and hosted by Creative Network South with support from Solent University. The event was convened by Dr Roy Hanney, Associate Professor of Media Practice.

You can download a copy of the presentation PDF: Carol-Ekinsmyth-The-role-of-space-in-artists-networks-of-practice-Solent-2024.pdf