The shortlisted artists for the upcoming Pride of Portsmouth lion art trail have been announced.
Following a strong response to the open call, 47 artists have been shortlisted. The selected artists represent a diverse range of creative styles and backgrounds, each bringing their own interpretation with proposed designs for the lion sculptures that will form part of the trail later this year.
The shortlisted artists were chosen by a selection panel and include both emerging and established creatives. Their designs reflect a wide range of artistic approaches, brought together by a shared connection to Portsmouth and a passion for creativity and inclusion.
Shortlisted artists:
Olana Light
Amy P
Lynne Hollingsworth
Mr Dot
Phillippa and Rachael Corcutt
Gill Prendergast
Roo Abrook
Daisy Barker
Hannah Davies
Ali Elly
Daniel Stubbs
Sarah Blackwell
Simon Whitcomb
Sticky Tape Kate
Zubieta
Andrea Martin
Courtney-Jo Cotton
Bhavna Mapara
Make at Aldingbourne
Kimberley Nicolle
Jennie Farmer Art
Emilie-Jane Rivers-Martin
Mark Kellett
Conor Clements
Anne-Marie Byrne
Daisy Kate
Kizzi B Creative
Or Misgav
Charlotte Pepper
Hannah Jayne Lewin
Nicholas Hopper
Karis Harrington
David Graham
Aidan Jack Waldron
November Tan
Nicola Mills
SouthseaOceanArtist
Claire Havell
Katherine Griffin
Ruth Hudson
Georgina Luck
Angela Chick
Seekers Create
Donna Newman Eden Designs
Jess Perrin
Caroline Fairbairn
Toad Stoolz
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:
“This project forms part of the Portsmouth100 celebrations, celebrating Portsmouth’s strong creative community and giving residents and visitors the chance to engage with art that reflects the city’s identity and pride.
“Congratulations to all the artists involved. It’s great to see the range of ways artists have interpreted the brief, and the variety of different styles that will really bring the trail to life across the city this summer.”
All shortlisted designs will be showcased in a free public exhibition at Aspex Portsmouth from Thursday 12 February – Sunday 22 February giving residents and visitors the chance to see the designs up close. A final selection will then be made from the shortlisted designs, and artists will be commissioned to bring their designs to life on 40 lion sculptures that will form the trail in the summer.
The exhibition of the lion designs will run throughout February half term and is free to attend, making it an ideal opportunity for families to enjoy a creative and accessible cultural experience.