A Night of Art, Pride, and Community.

Get ready to meet the lions of the Pride of Portsmouth!

What an amazing night at Aspex Gallery, celebrating the incredible artistic talent in our city. From the moment I arrived, there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation. Seeing businesses and artists come together for this collaboration was a pleasure, and the energy in the space was contagious. The designs on display made me feel incredibly proud to be part of Portsmouth’s creative community. Upon arrival, we were handed a beautifully produced magazine showcasing the designs in style, along with additional information about the lions and each artist’s journey to date.

A selection of the creative ideas for the Pride of Portsmouth Trail in 2026 was on show, and it was inspiring to see the variety of approaches. Each piece told a story, reflecting personal journeys, cultural heritage, and the city's vibrant diversity. It truly felt like being part of a large community of creatives, which was so uplifting. As artists, we often work in isolation, so coming together for this project brought a strong sense of pride and belonging.

Some designs featured bold colours and striking patterns, while others used subtle symbolism to convey powerful messages. The passion behind every piece was clear. The artists had poured their hearts into their work, and the audience responded with genuine admiration and applause. That exchange of energy made the whole event feel alive and deeply meaningful. I’m so excited to see what comes next.

Hopes for the Project

Pride of Portsmouth is more than a one-night celebration; it’s a movement that encourages understanding, acceptance, and pride within the community. I’m hopeful that my involvement will help build bridges and inspire others to embrace their true selves. The event reminded me how powerful art and design can be in bringing people together and sparking important conversations.

What Comes Next

Over the coming weeks, I’ll find out whether Valen and his story have been selected, and whether I’ll become one of the 40 artists painting a lion for the Wild in Art Trail across Portsmouth in July and August 2026.

If you’d like to learn more, visit https://prideofportsmouth.co.uk/artists/kimberley-nicolle/

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