Re-imagining what an inclusive conference could be.

For Portsmouth Creates’ We Connect conference, our artists worked as a collective to co-design a day centred around inclusion in the arts. They helped shape who was involved, how people could participate and different ways to engage, from communication stickers and an accessible event map to a quiet sensory space. The day opened with our artists sharing their Inclusive Arts Manifesto, setting out what meaningful inclusion in the arts should look like.

A perfect example of Open World: start with a challenge, bring lived experience into the process and rethink how things could work.

Accessible Map leaflet for the Inclusion in the Arts We Connect Conference 2025 at Portsmouth Guildhall

White circular sticker reading “COME AND TALK TO ME” with a smiling yellow face, on green fabric patterned with orange and navy flowers.

Woman in a colorful costume laughing while singing into a microphone beside a guitarist on stage

Round sticker reading “Sometimes I can feel overwhelmed,” with a sad purple face, on colorful floral fabric.

Group of people relaxing on colorful beanbags in a conference room

Round handmade card reading “I WILL COME AND CHAT TO YOU,” with a smiling purple face on a pink-and-white patterned background, on green plaid fabric.

Blonde woman wearing glasses on her head writes at a crowded event table surrounded by papers, pens, and attendees.

Person using a stylus to draw a colorful face on a tablet

Collage of colorful student artwork, including cartoon portraits and abstract paintings displayed on a table

Collection of colorful portrait drawings and paintings displayed on a table

Stacks of colorful stickers on a table, including “Sometimes I can feel overwhelmed” and “Come and talk to me.”

Two pale yellow abstract house-shaped silhouettes on a black background

Working with This New Ground brought lived experience into the heart of We Connect, helping us think differently about access, communication and participation.

Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates

Inclusion From the Beginning

The collaboration put lived experience into the planning process rather than treating accessibility as something to add later. Our artists brought their own ideas about communication, participation, space and choice, helping to shape an event designed around the different ways people might want, or need, to take part.