Downtown Pompey continues legacy of Sticky Floors & Palm Trees with innovative new heritage project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Downtown Pompey, a leading arts community organisation in Portsmouth, is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new heritage project, ‘Storming the teacup; Diversifying Pompey’s Heritage’. Made possible by a £177,944 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this two-year initiative builds on the existing work that Downtown Pompey has been doing in Portsmouth for years, and aims to create a more representative narrative of Portsmouth’s heritage.
The Fabulous Josh, Artistic Director of Downtown Pompey said: “We are incredible grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our partner organisations for their support on this project. Having just come off the back of our sell out show ‘Sticky Floors & Palm Trees’ we knew that we had to continue this exploration into heritage ensuring that our history can reflect our present and future. This project represents a significant opportunity to amplify the voices and stories of underrepresented communities in Portsmouth, enriching our understanding of the city’s heritage”
As part of the project Downtown Pompey will work closely with Portsmouth City Museum & Art Gallery to establish a brand-new archive focusing on preserving the experiences and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and will support the reinterpretation of other marginalised groups throughout Portsmouth’s history. This innovative archive will serve as a vital resource for researchers, educators and the public ensuring that diverse narratives are properly documented and celebrated.
In addition to the archive, ‘Storming the Teacup’ will feature a dynamic line up of events, workshops and exhibitions designed to engage the community and spark dialogue around issues of diversity and inclusion in local culture and heritage. From storytelling sessions to public talks, these initiatives will offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to explore and celebrate.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of the council with responsibility for culture, said: “We’re pleased to work in partnership with Downton Pompey, to bring a creative heritage project to our city museum, which focuses on the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout Portsmouth’s history.
We’re proud that Portsmouth is known for having a vibrant cultural scene that makes the most of our heritage and welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and brings people together.”
Josh continued: “We are proud to partner with Portsmouth City Museum & Art Gallery and other community organisations to bring this project to life. Together we are committed to fostering a new inclusive and representative heritage sector, one that honours the contributions of all individuals and communities in Portsmouth.”
About Downton Pompey
Formally set up in 2020 Downtown Pompey is a performance-based organisation bringing together a variety of local communities in Portsmouth, through queer art practices; offering a space to explore identities and understanding that everyone has a voice and a place to be heard. Our organisation exists within three areas:
- Community
- Education
- Professional Theatre
Using a combination of community leadership, arts and social work practice Downtown Pompey is a unique intersection that supports as well as produces.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk.
