Portsmouth artists hoping to 'inspire' the community with free city colouring book

The Create Up Pompey colouring book, which has been launched by culture group Portsmouth Creates, features work from 22 different local artists including Angela Chick, My Dog Sighs, Strong Island, Samo and others.

A total of 1,500 free art packs - made up of the book and colouring pencils - are being handed out to places such as children's homes, foster placements and food banks. It is also available to download for free online.

Professor Trevor Keeble, dean of the faculty of creative and cultural industries at the University of Portsmouth - which supported the creation of the book, said: 'I'm delighted to see the first volume of Portsmouth Creates' Community Artists Colouring Book and I'm very proud that it includes so many contributions from my brilliant colleagues at the University of Portsmouth.

'I hope it inspires everyone to take up their pencils and paints and I can't wait to see what they come up with.'

Support network, the Hive, has been helping to distribute the books. Canon Bob White, chair of the board of trustees for the Hive Portsmouth, agreed.‘The current situation can be challenging and worrying for many – but we are encouraged in the midst of it all by the generous and creative responses from many in our community seeking to support others,' he said.

'We are particularly grateful to Portsmouth Creates for the colouring books, which we will share with children and adults to help to brighten their day and to help them to also be creative.'

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Portsmouth artist, My Dog Sighs, whose work is featured in the book added: ‘It’s a fantastic project that I’m proud to be a part of. Art has always been my happy place and as a youngster I spent many hours colouring in. I hope this provides a creative outlet for all who access it.’

Portsmouth Creates was launched in 2019 with the aim of boosting and promoting cultural activity in the city.

To download a copy of the colouring book go to portsmouthcreates.co.uk/events/community-artists-colouring-book-vol-1/.

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