At 432 Nomads, we believe that storytelling and creative expression have the power to bridge divides and build stronger communities. Our projects are rooted in participatory art, bringing people together to share experiences of migration, belonging, and resilience. From large-scale immersive installations to community-led workshops, each project amplifies underrepresented voices and creates spaces for connection and understanding.
Our current flagship programme, Our Sanctuary: Ocean of Voices, is a three-phase journey across Portsmouth, celebrating migration through shared stories, virtual reality, and immersive art.
Explore our projects below and discover how art can transform spaces, connect communities, and give voice to untold stories.
Our Sanctuary: Ocean of Voices is a seven-month community-led arts project that brings people together to share stories of migration, belonging, and resilience in Portsmouth. Developed by 432 Nomads in collaboration with Crying Out Loud, Aspex Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth Historic Quarter, and Portsmouth Creates—and supported by Arts Council England—the project builds on the successes of Refugee Week 2023 and 2024.
This marks a step-change for 432 Nomads, deepening our engagement with artists and communities. We are breaking new ground with:
Multi-artform collaborations that connect communities through powerful storytelling.
A large-scale, internationally led installation that transforms personal stories into immersive experiences.
Skill-building opportunities in digital storytelling and VR, empowering local voices.
Deeper, more inclusive creative participation across the city, inviting everyone to be part of this shared story.
Through storytelling, participatory arts, and large-scale installations, the project celebrates cultural identity and creates lasting spaces for connection and understanding.
The project is driven by three key aims:
Amplifying Refugee Voices: Sharing personal stories of migration to elevate the voices of refugees and asylum seekers, building empathy and understanding.
Building Cultural Bridges: Creating spaces for connection through workshops, residencies, and community projects that celebrate diversity.
Creating Lasting Impact: Leaving a legacy of unity, resilience, and appreciation for cultural diversity through the power of art and storytelling.
The project is built around three main phases, each representing a journey of discovery, connection, and storytelling across Portsmouth and beyond.
The project also features contributions from international and local artists, schools, and community groups, reflecting Portsmouth's diverse cultural landscape.
In the lead-up to our main events, we are bringing people together through creative workshops, community storytelling, and artist residencies. These sessions are designed to gather personal stories, build local engagement, and prepare for the larger installations. Local artists and international collaborators work side by side with participants, exploring themes of migration, belonging, and community through hands-on creative experiences.
| Start Date: | June 16, 2025 |
| End Date: | June 22, 2025 |
| Time: | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Location: | St Luke's Church Greetham Street, Portsmouth, PO5 4LH |
A city-wide celebration themed Community as a Superpower, recognising the strength and resilience that emerges from unity and shared experience. Across Portsmouth, performances, exhibitions, and creative workshops bring together local communities, artists, and cultural leaders to share powerful stories of migration, resilience, and belonging. This collective celebration highlights the power of community in creating sanctuary and building understanding.
Whether you are attending a Refugee Week workshop or performance, experiencing our VR storytelling, or stepping inside A Sea of Words, your involvement helps build a community where stories are heard, connections are made, and understanding is deepened.
Experience Our Sanctuary: Ocean of Voices in 2025 – Join us as we bring powerful stories of migration to life, creating lasting connections and deeper understanding across communities. Sign up to stay updated and learn how you can get involved.
