Creative Community
In
Conversation

From science to experimental photography, Plymouth artist Luke Hall is making waves with his environmental artwork. Ahead of Plymouth Art Weekender, he shares his fascination with water, the inspiration behind The Shallows, and how seed funding from Plymouth Culture is helping him bring his creative vision to life.

Mixed media artist Polly Plouviez talks to What’s On Plymouth Culture about her journey from textiles to painting, relocating to Plymouth and the life-changing impact of her dyslexia diagnosis. Discover how colour, nature and neurodiversity shape her practice, and where you can see her work in Plymouth this October.

Meet Plymouth-based artist Erica Luke, whose colourful paintings, drawings and prints are inspired by nature, green spaces and the landscapes around her. Victoria Lammie caught up with Erica to talk creativity, swapping London for Plymouth and the three ways you can discover her work during Plymouth Art Weekender this October.

Plymouth artist Judy Harington talks to What’s On Plymouth Culture reporter Victoria Lammie about an art practice shaped by the sea, nature and environmental activism. From plastic pollution to collaborative installations, Judy explains how creativity can provoke conversation, ahead of showing Thirst with Plymouth Artists Alliance at Plymouth Art Weekender.

Torpoint-born performer Ryan Pidgen returns home with Mrs. Doubtfire at Theatre Royal Plymouth. From childhood performances and meeting friends at the Sundial to a career spanning Billy Elliot, Matilda and the West End, Ryan talks about coming home, local opportunity, family, theatre and his remarkable journey.

What’s On Plymouth Culture reporter and fashion designer Victoria Lammie meets Fiona Spicer, director of Green Space Community Hub on Mutley Plain, to discover how creativity, connection and community come together under one roof; from local art and workshops to volunteering, counselling and opportunities for people to rebuild confidence.

Musician and University of Plymouth researcher Alex Alani is exploring the future of sound through quantum computing. Ahead of LifeIn AI 2026, he talks artistic integrity, the backlash against AI, Plymouth’s creative scene and why new technology should expand what artists can do, not replace them.

Discover the sea in unexpected places with Dr Rosemarie Corlett at Royal William Yard. Hidden Tides: Mapping the Sea Within the City is a relaxed creative writing workshop inviting people to explore Plymouth’s memories, stories and everyday connections to the water through words, drawings and a collective map.

Plymouth artist Sarah Smalldon talks to What’s On Plymouth Culture reporter Victoria Lammie about her colourful, distinctive creative practice, her love of drawing, collecting and storytelling, beginning a Masters Degree at Arts University Plymouth, and opening her home and studio to visitors during Devon Artist Network Open Studios this September.

After 14 years teaching art, Kayleigh took a leap into the unknown and created Plymouth-based Colourful Horizons. Now she helps children and adults discover the joy of creativity without worrying about perfection. We meet Kayleigh to talk art, wellbeing, community, collaboration and why everyone has the ability to create.

Meet Mrs Murals, the Plymouth artist bringing colour, nature and joy to walls across the city. Discover how she built her creative business, why community is at the heart of her work, and where you can see her marine-inspired lighthouse, created for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Guiding Lights trail.

Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco talk to Plymouth Culture about bringing The Ballad of Johnny & June to Theatre Royal Plymouth, exploring the joy, fire and humanity behind Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s legendary love story, and why their music, humour and resilience continue to connect with audiences today.

Victoria Lammie speaks to Karen and Fiona Evans from The Conscious Sisters CIC about The Gansey Gathering, Plymouth’s fishing heritage, community knitting and the free Sardine Festival at Commercial Wharf.

Meet Jillies, a slow fashion brand by Arts University Plymouth students Jazz Rohde and Millie Coiley. Discover their sustainable design ethos and visit their pop up at Royal William Yard this June.

Victoria Lammie talks to Jenny Ayrton from Art and Energy Collective about bringing together art, nature and energy to make climate action feel more creative, hopeful and accessible. From the impact of Moths to a Flame to exciting future plans, discover how the collective is engaging communities through imagination and participation.

Community reporter Victoria Lammie speaks to Clo Sargent and Viki Starmore from Artemis Collective about creating an open and inclusive arts community in Plymouth. From supporting artists at every stage to breaking down barriers around exhibiting work, Artemis Collective is building a welcoming creative network rooted in confidence, connection and opportunity.

Artist film-makers Kayla Parker and Stuart Moore discuss their Sea for Yourself Mount Batten Project, which connects community voices, local heritage and experimental moving image. Their residency includes a 360 film, a new short film poem, King Tide, and future exhibitions — with work-in-progress on view at their open studio at GROW.

Arts reporter and designer Victoria Lammie speaks to Plymouth printmaker Grace Beswick about settling into her new studio at Devonport Guildhall, the process behind her layered, nature-inspired work, and how taking part in The Creative Climate Programme is helping shape the future direction of her creative practice.

In this In Conversation feature, Laura Hopes reflects on the six-month journey behind Let’s SEA Your Tatts — from emotional encounters on Union Street to nearly 300 submitted tattoos. She discusses Plymouth’s tattoo history, community participation, and how the sea is woven into identity, memory and belonging.

Artist and researcher Julia Pond discusses Metabolizer, her live dance installation at 37 Looe Street, Plymouth. Blending movement, data and economic metaphor, the project invites participants to generate invisible dance labour, questioning growth, productivity and how value is measured in bodies, cities and everyday life.

Curator and community creator Eloise Dunwell reflects on her artistic journey from Australia to Plymouth, exploring Steiner schooling, Bristol social sculpture, her role at Alma Yard and the founding of SOOP. In conversation with Linda Bell, she shares an inspiring vision for accessible creativity, grassroots collaboration and transforming unused city spaces into cultural hubs.

Arts reporter and designer Victoria Lammie meets Plymouth fashion graduate Megan Trapnell, the founder of sustainable luxury label Dart and Grey. From yacht-manufacturer surplus to circular innovation, Victoria uncovers how Megan is reshaping local fashion with intention, collaboration and a bold commitment to responsible design.