Aspex Portsmouth are extremely grateful that Arts Council England have recognised the value of the work they do in bringing new art and ideas to the heart of Portsmouth. Renewing the National Portfolio status for 2023-26 (regular annual funding) means Aspex Portsmouth can continue to help the City’s cultural scene thrive – cultivating art, creativity and a collaborative community.
In choosing to retain Aspex Portsmouth as a part of their National Portfolio, Arts Council England have demonstrated their commitment to the organisation’s artistic, learning and artist support programmes and the impact they have in the local community and beyond.
Director of Aspex Portsmouth, Joanne Bushnell, said:
“We are grateful to Arts Council England for their investment in our work and the City. We will work to build on and strengthen our connections with our local communities, particularly young people; diversifying and building the local creative sector; and improving access to culture in Portsmouth.”
Chair of the board of trustees, Dr Dawn Langley, said:
“The investment of £114,180 per year from 2023-2026 is very welcome at an extremely difficult time for public funding. Nevertheless, this is a standstill figure, which with increased inflation and energy costs represents a reduction in funding in real terms. I know our team will respond with ingenuity and resourcefulness to ensure we continue to deliver our ambitions for Portsmouth.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development said:
“I am always pleased to see investment in our creative and cultural industries and welcome the renewal of Aspex Portsmouth’s National Portfolio Organisation status.
However, with Portsmouth being designated as a Priority Place by Arts Council England, I am also extremely disappointed that once again, their request for an uplift in funding, especially at this challenging time for the sector, has not received a positive response.”
Friends of Aspex Portsmouth have been quick to welcome the announcement.
Portsmouth based Artist Clarke Reynolds who was recently supported by the gallery to present an ambitious solo show earlier this year, said:
“Aspex has been the creative rock in Portsmouth for my whole life. The support the gallery has given me over recent years has enabled me to develop my practice, and become a leading artist in the region and beyond. I’m thrilled that Aspex Portsmouth will continue to inspire future generations of creatives in the City.”
This funding will enable Aspex Portsmouth to continue to support the cultural development of Portsmouth and the surrounding region, contributing to the City’s increasingly vibrant cultural offer and engaging more people, especially children and young people with contemporary visual art over the coming years.
