Artswork seeks Isle of Wight’s creative organisations to join diversity initiative

LGBTQIA+ written on knuckles of hands

Artswork is actively searching for arts and creative organisations on the Isle of Wight that are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Their Breakthrough programme aims to provide entry routes into the creative industry for young people aged 16-25 who are struggling to find meaningful employment. An Opportunity for youth and employersThe […]

From Sibden Hill to the studio: Paul Armfield to feature on Radio 2 Folk Show

Paul Armfield sitting among the trees with his guitar

A commission by the environmental group, Gift To Nature, to compose a suite of songs about five trees that grow in Sibden Hill, has led to the release of an EP for Isle of Wight renowned singer and songwriter. Not only that, but thanks to significant support on the airwaves, Paul Armfield has been invited […]

‘Two Thousand’ installation arrives at Mountbatten’s Hospice Chapel

Sue Paraskeva with her installation, Two Thousand

Something special has made its way to The Chapel at Mountbatten’s Hospice in Newport. ‘Two Thousand’ is a hanging installation consisting of 2,000 pierced and hand-rolled porcelain discs. Crafting the memorialIsle of Wight potter, Sue Paraskeva, spent four months crafting these individual porcelain discs, before they were installed in The Mountbatten Chapel in April 2024. […]

Unpacking Department: Exciting new heritage project now underway

Elizabeth Packs Keys

In another example of how funding bodies are more than willing to invest and support cultural heritage on the Isle of Wight, National Lottery Heritage Fund have awarded a substantial grant to Department Ryde for a year-long project led by Shademakers UK. Tracy Mikich and Teresa Grimaldi, curators for ‘Unpacking Department’, have been busily sifting […]

Creative Island hosts Arts Council England event for grassroots music funding

Blurry shot of those attending the grassroots music ACE meeting

Earlier this month Creative Island welcomed Arts Council England representatives to the Isle of Wight’s Building 41 in Cowes. Nick Green, along with Rosey Brown, the Grassroots Music Relationship Manager for the Southwest, led an informative session. They shared details about the Arts Council’s Grassroots Music Sector funding, crucial for local music organisations. Funding opportunities […]

Why cultural involvement is crucial to the success of Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Plants

Culture is not just about arts and heritage, but also encompasses the shared values, beliefs, norms, customs and collective identity developed by communities. It influences how we perceive the world and interact within our own community and beyond. Culture also plays an important part in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status – something the Island was […]

The People’s Palace of Possibilities: Utopian scheming and rageful dreaming

People's Palace of Possibilities event - people in the dome as part of the street party

A unique interactive installation, The People’s Palace of Possibility, is set to engage Islanders for three weeks starting from Friday, 3rd May. The event seeks to explore how we can harness energy and hope for the future amid prevalent feelings of fear and anger. Engaging Experiences in a Multi-Coloured DomeHosted at Ingram’s Yard in Ventnor, […]

Free networking event for visual artists at historic Dimbola Museum

The outside of dimbola lodge

Step into the creative heart of the Isle of Wight at IW Creative Network‘s inaugural networking event for photographers (visual artists and videographers also very much welcome). This special gathering is scheduled for Thursday, 25th April 2024, from 5pm to 7pm, at the iconic Dimbola Museum and Galleries in Freshwater. Admission is free. Steeped in […]