Mapping creative opportunities in Newport

Creative Conversations Newport was a collaborative project between Creative Lives, Tin Shed Theatre CIC and artist Marion Cheung, with support from artist Lucilla Jones.

Between December 2025 and February 2026, the partners hosted seven community engagement events to explore what would help local creativity in Newport to thrive. These events were supplemented by a series of conversations with creatives and creative group participants. We also undertook preliminary mapping of the formal and informal opportunities for people to participate in creative and cultural activity throughout Newport.

We found a diverse range of opportunities for creative and cultural engagement throughout Newport, some with a long history, and the sector is well-connected, supportive and energetic. But the consensus is that creative groups and individuals are facing widespread challenges, which, if addressed, would help enable all forms of creative activity in Newport to thrive.

Our report presents our findings and recommendations. This was a short-term project, and we are not presenting these findings as exhaustive, but rather as a snapshot of creativity in Newport. 

Read the full report here

This work was funded by Newport City Council through the Shared Prosperity Fund.