Exhibition now on! Inside now open at Aspex Portsmouth
The creativity and voices of This New Ground artists are now taking centre stage in Portsmouth, as we present Inside, the city’s first learning-disability led exhibition, which is now on at Aspex Portsmouth.
Our brilliant, immersive exhibition, which is on at Aspex until 7 June, is an immersive, participatory exhibition exploring what home means through the stories and histories of people living with a learning disability in Portsmouth.
Our thought-provoking, vibrant and bold exhibition, is the culmination of two-year project Groundwork that has included This New Ground artists capturing the oral histories of 50 people with a learning disability in the city. Our work is making history. This trailblazing initiative has also created Portsmouth’s first dedicated and permanent archive at Portsmouth Central Library about the experiences of people with a learning disability. These stories will help to preserve their rich personal and cultural heritage for future generations.
These stories and experiences sit at the heart of our Inside exhibition and have been brought to life by our amazing This New Ground artists, alongside talented commissioned artists Nathan Wong and Orlando Richardson, a University of Portsmouth alumni. Find out more about Orlando’s inspiration for the exhibition here.
Breaking new ground
Nathalie Russell-Clarke, co-director of This New Ground says: “For generations, people with a learning disability have been excluded from historical and cultural records, their stories left untold. Our ‘Inside’ exhibition aims to change that by shining a spotlight on the experiences and contributions of this community.”
She adds: “Blending sound, image, and everyday objects, our exhibition, reimagines what an exhibition can be, opening a space where voices reclaim the city’s identity from their own viewpoint. It asks where we belong, how we make place, and what it means to be seen, heard, and at home. Inside invites visitors to become part of the work – to listen, touch, slow down, and at moments, walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Exciting part of city’s centenary celebrations
Inside, and our forthcoming arts festival Pivot Fest, mark an exciting new chapter in Portsmouth’s cultural landscape. Coming at a time when the city celebrates its centenary year and has been shortlisted as a contender for the UK City of Culture 2029, these vibrant events place learning disabled artists firmly at the heart of artistic innovation and community celebration.
Elevating the voices and talents of TNG artists
Sophie Barber, a member of TNG’s Inclusive Arts Committee who has helped to organise Inside and Pivot Fest, says: “I’m very proud to be involved in helping to organise these events. It’s been very special. We have taken on new challenges and environments, met new people and learnt new skills. We have achieved so much. We are really excited for people to visit.”
Ian Varndell, says: “Activities I have been involved in leading up to the exhibition have really helped me with my confidence and to do things I haven’t tried before. I’m talking to people a lot more. I have learnt digital art skills and taught these skills to others. It’s important that people with a learning disability get our voices heard.”
Free to visit events
This New Ground’s Nathalie adds: “Our This New Ground artists have curated an incredible, must-visit exhibition and festival. Both events are free to attend, and I’d encourage people across the city and beyond to come along and experience them for themselves.”
*Inside is on at Aspex Portsmouth, the Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays PO1 3BF until 7 June. The gallery is open Wed to Sun, 11am - 4pm.
Find out more and plan your visit here: https://aspex.org.uk/exhibition/inside
*Entry to the exhibition is free. Donations are welcome to help support our ongoing work. See https://localgiving.org/charity/this-new-ground