Creativity, community & change since 2007.
Real Ideas was founded with a simple belief: that creativity can unlock opportunity and shape better futures. From restoring iconic buildings and launching pioneering youth programmes to leading immersive tech innovation and supporting hundreds of creative enterprises, we’ve always worked at the intersection of social impact and imaginative thinking. As we look ahead, our focus remains the same — empowering people, strengthening communities, and making change happen.
Real Ideas takes on the Devonport Guildhall as a community asset transfer, laying the foundation for future regeneration and social enterprise work.
Chew TV is launched, and Real Ideas begins delivering the “Create Your Talent” programme across the South West, promoting youth creativity and digital engagement.
Real Ideas establishes XtraVert, a social enterprise aimed at connecting young people with creative opportunities, and continues its growth in social impact initiatives.
The newly refurbished Devonport Guildhall opens to the public, becoming a hub for community activity and enterprise development.
Real Ideas becomes a Bridge Organisation for Arts Council England, supporting arts and cultural education across the region.
Devonport Guildhall hosts its first wedding. Real Ideas expands its programming with the “Create Your Talent” project and increases its national partnerships.
Real Ideas opens a dedicated social enterprise hub in Liskeard, furthering its mission to support community-led regeneration in Cornwall.
The organisation designs and launches its Impact Framework, aligning its mission with measurable social change using the Theory of Change model.
A new group structure is established, enhancing internal governance and supporting strategic development across all areas of operation.
Real Ideas begins delivering the second round of the Game Changer programme, offering life-changing opportunities for young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Real Ideas takes on management of Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard in Plymouth, developing it into a thriving creative space for artists and the public.
Illuminate Light Festival sees 28,000 visitors, showcasing the growing impact of Real Ideas' cultural events on the region.
Illuminate attracts 50,000 attendees. Real Ideas supports the development of the new Market Hall through a public-private partnership and secures funding for the iMayflower project.
As the Covid-19 pandemic hits, Real Ideas rapidly adapts by moving delivery online and continues support for young people and enterprises through virtual platforms.
The Market Hall and its state-of-the-art immersive dome open in July, adding a major digital and cultural venue to Plymouth’s innovation landscape.
Work begins on the transformation of Liskeard Library. Real Ideas plays a leading role in delivering projects supported by the Cultural Development Fund (CDF).
A strategic restructure creates five business units. Work continues on Liskeard Library, and Real Ideas expands its membership offer and creative services.
The Game Changer programme concludes, while a Heritage Lottery Funded project to reopen the former Cornish Times offices as a library is launched.
Over 20,000 people attend the Dazzle Festival in Devonport, celebrating creativity, community, and immersive digital experiences.