What we learnt at PAST MAKES FUTURE 2025

Artists, technologists, and heritage professionals gathered to explore how we can redefine the city’s creative landscape. The conversations were bold, challenging, and full of ambition. From rethinking public spaces to forging international collaborations, the message was clear: Portsmouth is not just an island—it’s a launching point.

One of the most striking themes of the conference was breaking barriers—both physical and social. Participants spoke about:

Expanding beyond Portsmouth—connecting with the Isle of Wight, the wider UK, and international creative networks.

Using technology to create a borderless, immersive experience—through digital storytelling, projection mapping, and sound installations.

Making art accessible by taking it out of galleries and into public spaces, buses, and everyday life.

As one attendee beautifully put it, “I want Portsea Island to be seen as part of a cultural archipelago, not an isolated island.”

Creativity thrives at the intersection of disciplines.The speakers explored how technology can connect culture and site, making heritage interactive, immersive, and global. Whether through AI-driven storytelling, VR exhibitions, or digital archives, the future of heritage is not about preservation—it’s about evolution.

The Next Chapter

Several attendees called for more structured, ongoing opportunities to build on the conference’s energy. Ideas ranged from:

A festival celebrating the intersection of heritage, art, and tech.

An online platform to showcase projects and build international partnerships.

More networking and collaboration spaces to keep conversations going beyond the conference room.

A Huge Thank You

A massive thank you to all of our speakers, who shared their insights, expertise, and creative provocations. Your contributions made this conference truly inspiring.

A special shout-out to Von Peach for partnering with us—your collaboration added so much depth and richness to the event.

To everyone who attended, participated, and contributed: you are shaping the future of Portsmouth’s creative ecosystem. Your ideas and passion will fuel what comes next.

See you at the next one! 🚀✨