We Shine 2024: A Celebration of Community Creativity​

At Seekers Create, we believe in the power of creativity to bring people together, strengthen communities, and celebrate local talent. As part of We Shine Art & Light Festival Portsmouth 2024, we had the privilege of working alongside 12 incredible community groups from Portsmouth North to co-create the stunning Teepee Arts Trail—a collection of illuminated installations that transformed Foxes Forest in Hilsea, Portsmouth into a vibrant outdoor gallery.  

This project was built on an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which means we focused on the existing strengths, creativity, and passions within each group. Instead of bringing art to the community, we worked with each group to bring art out of the community, empowering them as creators and change-makers.  ​

​Meet the Creative Communities Behind the Teepees  

​Each of these groups brought their unique skills, perspectives, and stories, making every installation a true reflection of their identity and creativity:  ​

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Click on the Teepee Trail Map to find out more about our community groups.

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Why Asset-Based Community Development Matters

Rather than focusing on what a community lacks, ABCD highlights what already exists—creativity, passion, and local knowledge. The We Shine project was about empowering people to recognise their own artistic potential and fostering a sense of ownership in the process.  ​

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Foxes Forest & the Garden of Light offered a playful yet meaningful experience, perfect for families and communities to connect with nature, creativity, and one another. 

Through this approach, we:  

•  Celebrated Local Talent – Every participant contributed their own unique artistic voice, making each installation deeply personal.  
•  Built Meaningful Connections– Community members worked together, strengthening relationships and a shared sense of purpose.  
•  Created a Lasting Impact-  The experience of co-production has sparked new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities for future creative projects.  

Together, we’ve proven the power of creativity to transform spaces, connect people, and bring joy to our city. This project is not just about light—it’s about illuminating the strengths that already exist in our communities.

​A Huge Thank You

To all the groups, participants, and supporters—thank you for sharing your creativity, passion, and time to make this project a reality. 

A special thank you to Portsmouth Creates for championing community-led art and ensuring that We Shine Portsmouth continues to be a festival where local voices and ideas take centre stage.

Let’s continue to shine bright, Portsmouth!   

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