We Rise
September 2022- April 2023
We Rise is a participatory project creating a platform for learning disabled people in Portsmouth to make and share large-scale artwork and develop leadership skills, empowering a generation of learning disabled leaders.
We Rise was This New Ground’s flagship project in Portsmouth and has been an opportunity for TNG to launch a new hub and establish roots in the city.
In September 2022, local learning-disabled artists joined forces with acclaimed digital artist, Jason Wilsher-Mills to co-create this giant, colourful, inflatable sculpture loudly celebrating the power and talents of people with learning disabilities. Imagined over a series of digital art workshops, this highly decorated sculpture draws inspiration from Portsmouth’s historic coat of arms and features drawings, self-portraits and words by project participants. We Rise Sculpture is an expression of vibrancy, pride and the desire for visibility shared by the Portsmouth city’s leaning disabled community.
We are joined forces with leading, place-based organisations & arts providers in Portsmouth, including Aspex Gallery, Victorious Festival and Portsmouth Creates to create visible platforms to exhibit the sculpture throughout the city. We Rise sculpture was exhibited as part of We Shine Festival 2022 and at Gunwharf Quays in March 2023.
Jason Wilsher-Mills Talking about the creation of We Rise Sculpture
Project participant Emma talking about the creation of We Rise Sculpture
Below are some animations created by participants during We Rise project. These animations were made using iPads and Procreate App.
This Project is funded by Arts Council England, Portsmouth Creates & Victorious Festival and delivered in partnership with MAKE at Aldingbourne and Aspex Gallery.
