Across the Island, the CAN YOU HEAR US? Microgrants programme, in partnership with Creative Lives, is helping groups bring people together, try something new and make new friends.
Here’s a look at three of the projects that have been getting stuck in and making things happen
Mardi Gras prep with the Indonesian Community
The Indonesian Community has been getting ready to take part in this year’s Isle of Wight Mardi Gras, and their final rehearsal brought people together for dancing, costumes and tasty food, including Pandan Cake and Telur Gulung, a savoury snack that is rolled around a filling of vegetables, meat, seafood or tofu.
They had a full dress rehearsal, giving everyone the chance to try out their handmade costumes before the big day.
At the heart of the design is the Rangkong, or hornbill, a bird with strong links to Kalimantan in Indonesia. The group’s costumes feature large feathered headdresses and colourful hornbill designs, all made by hand.
The project has also explored the connections between the hornbill and birds we know here on the Isle of Wight, including pigeons and magpies. Different birds from different parts of the world, but all known for being clever, adaptable and able to thrive in the places they call home.
The rehearsal was a chance to bring all that work together. The making, the ideas, the dancing and the people behind it before the group joins schools and other community groups at Mardi Gras.
As the group said: “It’s been an amazing journey of creativity, collaboration and community, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
From the heart with Applegate Breast Cancer Support Group
Members of Applegate Breast Cancer Support Group have been getting creative through a series of pottery sessions led by artist Kirstie.
So far, the group has taken part in five sessions. One activity invited members to make badges showing how they felt when they were diagnosed and how they feel now, after being part of the support group.
“This group has brought us all together. We have made something from the heart, that we have put all our emotions into. Long may it last and bring a smile to people’s faces!”
The group have also made two plaques, with the hope that one will be displayed in the new mammography unit at the hospital.
The sessions were only open to members of the support group, giving people a safe space to talk freely. There was room for dark humour, laughter and honest conversations while everyone worked.
“I can’t believe something I’ve made to put on it will be there long after I’m gone- How is that for a legacy! So brilliant and such a lovely afternoon.”
Community artwork at Havenstreet Community Garden
Over at Havenstreet Community Garden, people have been busy making ceramics and glass artwork together.
Around 70 ceramic tiles have now been made, far more than originally expected. Each one has been decorated with underglaze and will become part of the finished community artwork.
People have also been learning how to work with glass. After completing a Tree of Life, participants moved on to making glass robins and birds, which will eventually hang in the garden.
In another session, people enjoyed soldering their glass birds and watching the final panel come together.
It has been busy, creative and sociable, with people learning new skills, making things side by side and enjoying time together in the garden.
These three projects are very different, but they have something important in common. They are creating chances for people to spend time together, share their stories and learn something new.
