Hey Babe!
The past six months have absolutely flown by, and what a whirlwind it’s been! We’ve been busy behind the scenes, getting stuck into planning, trying new things, having big conversations and figuring out what the future of Downtown could look like. From queer movement and creative voices to youth performance, participation in the arts and our work in Landport, it’s been a time of listening, learning, connecting and laying the groundwork for what comes next.
Organisational development has been a big part of what we’ve been up to, making sure we’re building the foundations, relationships and opportunities that will allow us to keep doing what we love. We’re all about creating more space for people to connect, express themselves, get creative and have their voices heard. And the best way to do that? Getting out there, having proper conversations and working alongside the people who make our communities what they are.
Alice has been out and about in schools, building connections and having conversations around queer joy, participation in the arts and the power of theatre. She’s been exploring how we can connect LGBTQ+ young people, alongside those who are often underserved or less likely to access creative opportunities, with artists, creative facilitators and spaces where they can feel confident to explore their ideas. Alice has also been working with a group of young people in the north of the city, taking those first exciting steps into performance. It’s all about opening doors, building confidence and making sure young people know there’s a place for them in the arts, whether they’re ready to take centre stage or are just finding their feet.
Courtnee has been busy connecting the dots across Portsmouth’s queer creative community. She’s been collaborating with LGBTQ+ stakeholders and community groups, including Pole Coven, Portsmouth Pride and the Queer Book Swap from our Day of Queer Joy, exploring what queer movement could look like in the city. Through free taster sessions, creative activities and consultation, we’ve been asking the big question: what helps people feel free enough to move? We’re looking at how we can make movement more accessible, welcoming and joyful, creating opportunities for people to try something new, connect with others and find their own way into movement, without the pressure to perform or get it right.
Courtnee has also been catching up with queer artists across the city, listening to their experiences and finding out what support they need to keep making the brilliant work they do. From opportunities and connections to the spaces and resources that help artists thrive, these conversations are helping us think about how Downtown can continue to champion local talent, nurture creative ambition and make sure queer artists have the support they deserve. Because a thriving queer arts scene doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people, relationships, opportunities and a whole lot of love for what we do.
Meanwhile, Josh and Fabio have been cooking up a few things of their own! They’ve been working on some top-secret projects for the future of Downtown, and while we can’t spill the beans just yet, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes. We’re thinking about what comes next, how we can grow our work and what new opportunities we can create for our communities and artists. Trust us when we say there’s lots to get excited about, and we can’t wait to share more when the time is right!
So, while the past six months might have been full of planning, conversations, testing ideas and a little bit of behind-the-scenes plotting, it’s all part of something bigger. We’re building connections, making space for new ideas and working towards a future where more people can find their people, discover their creativity and feel a sense of belonging through the arts.
And as always, none of this happens without the artists, young people, community groups, partners and brilliant people who give their time, share their experiences and help shape what Downtown becomes. Thank you for being part of it!
There’s plenty more to come, Babe. Keep your eyes peeled. 💖