Creative Community
Directory
Read our monthly interviews with the people who make Plymouth’s cultural scene tick - artists, makers, community leaders, creatives.
In Conversation: Luke Hall on water, creativity and making art for everyone
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.
In Conversation: Rhys Morgan on Plymouth’s Artists and Why the Art Weekender Matters
Ahead of Plymouth Art Weekender, 16–18 October, we meet artist, curator and organiser Rhys Morgan to explore Plymouth's thriving creative community, the importance of grassroots arts, queer identity and the challenges facing local artists. Discover why the Weekender matters and how it can change the way we see our city.
Passing the pen: Plymouth’s Young City Laureates on poetry, reading and finding your voice
As Plymouth's Young City Laureate role passes from Issy Powell to Charlotte Lee, we bring the two young writers together to discuss poetry, creativity, reading and the city that inspires them. As part of Plymouth Reads, they explore finding your voice, overcoming creative fears and discovering the joy of words.
In Conversation: Polly Plouviez on colour, neurodiversity and finding her creative path
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.
In Conversation: Erica Luke on nature, creativity and finding her place in Plymouth
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.
In Conversation: Judy Harington on art, activism and our relationship with the natural world
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.
“Once I Get on That Ferry, I Know I’m Home” In Conversation with Ryan Pidgen as he returns to Plymouth with Mrs. Doubtfire.
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.
In Conversation: How Green Space is building creativity and community on Mutley Plain
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.
The human has to stay at the centre: In Conversation with Alex Alani on music, quantum computing and the future of creativity
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.
In Conversation with Dr Rosemarie Corlett: Finding the Sea in Unexpected Places
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.
In Conversation with Sarah Smalldon
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.
In Conversation with Kayleigh Swann from Colourful Horizons: Why art doesn’t have to be perfect to matter
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.
In Conversation with Mrs Murals: bringing colour, nature and joy to Plymouth’s walls
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.
The Ballad of Johnny & June brings love, music and electricity to Theatre Royal Plymouth
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.
In Conversation: The Conscious Sisters on Ganseys, Sardines and Plymouth’s Fishing Heritage
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.
In Conversation with Jillies: Discover Plymouth’s new wave of sustainable fashion this June
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.
In Conversation: Jenny Ayrton of Art and Energy Collective on creativity, climate action and community
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.
Inside Hyphae House: Layla Lyons on building Plymouth’s bold new artist led space
Victoria Lammie speaks to fine artist Layla Lyons about Hyphae House, Plymouth’s distinctive new artist led exhibition space. The feature explores Layla’s practice, the thinking behind the project and why it matters, while also pointing readers towards Ceremony, the next performance and installation event opening on 22 May.
In Conversation: Playwriter on Everyday, grassroots music and their hometown Leadworks show
Plymouth band Playwriter discuss their debut EP Everyday, their Leadworks hometown show, Sweet Jeans and the growing energy of the city’s grassroots music scene.
In Conversation: Clo Sargent & Viki Starmore of Artemis Collective on building an open & inclusive arts community in Plymouth
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.