Join the CEP networking meeting for cultural education opportunities
The Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership (CEP) prepares to launch its new academic year with a crucial networking event later this month. The first CEP meeting of the academic year takes place on Tuesday 30th September at Quay Arts Centre in Newport. Bringing together Island voicesCultural partners are invited to join the gathering from […]
Explore, experiment, expand: Funding tiers for immersive arts on the Isle of Wight
Artists across the Isle of Wight now have access to significant new funding opportunities designed specifically for immersive technology projects. The Immersive Arts Funding programme has launched with three distinct tiers of support, each tailored to different stages of artistic development and project ambition. Supporting early-stage innovationThe Explore strand provides £5,000 grants for artists taking […]
Isle of Wight opens doors to musical heritage at new Newport museum
A dedicated museum celebrating the Isle of Wight’s rich musical legacy has welcomed its first visitors in Newport. The Wight Music Experience showcases thousands of exhibits that chronicle the Island’s musical journey, spanning from historic festivals to contemporary chart successes including Wet Leg and Coach Party. Historic festival legacy lives onRay Foulk, co-promoter of the […]
Islanders invited to contribute to Isle of Wight’s global biosphere showcase
The Isle of Wight Biosphere will take its place on the world stage at an upcoming international gathering in China. International coordinator, Sally Chaucer, will represent the Island at the fifth World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou. A decade in the makingThe congress brings together representatives from 748 biosphere reserves spanning 134 countries worldwide. […]
Ventnor Fringe Festival launches new Guarantee Fund to secure future
Ventnor Fringe Festival organisers have announced a new Guarantee Fund, following a record-breaking 15th edition of the festival. This year saw nearly 13,000 tickets sold, a 7.5% increase on 2024, alongside more than 100 free events. The week-long celebration brought an estimated £500,000 boost to the local economy, with the wider impact of the organisation […]
Free Skills Bootcamps offer training in AI and 3D design for Island creatives
Creative freelancers and small business owners on the Isle of Wight, in Southampton, and in Portsmouth can take part in two new free Skills Bootcamps this September. The programmes, run by Mastered and supported by Solent Growth Network, focus on business development and digital creativity. Business and AI skills trainingThe Business and AI Skills Bootcamp […]
1:1 advisory sessions for IW Creative Network members: Don’t miss the deadline
Isle of Wight artists looking for support to shape their practice or secure funding have a chance to connect directly with artist support specialist, Alys Scott Hawkins. Round Two of the 1:1 advisory sessions is now open, offering members of the IW Creative Network two hours of focused online guidance this September. Applications close on […]
Student voices brought to life in new Quay Arts exhibition
Eight powerful artworks created by students from Lionheart School are now on display in the café space at Quay Arts, Newport, throughout August. The pieces form part of Words Beyond Language, an exhibition developed in collaboration with artist Nathan Holt, and explore the impact and power of spoken word. Exploring words through sound and artThe […]
Isle of Wight schools transform learning through creative residency programme
The Isle of Wight has witnessed remarkable changes in three local schools this year through the innovative ‘Our School Creates’ project. Arts Council England funded the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership to examine how creativity can enhance school curriculums and support broader educational goals. Artists bring fresh perspectives to Island classroomsThe project placed one […]
Ventnor Fringe Festival 2025 wraps up with record-breaking success
Ventnor Fringe Festival came to a close on Sunday evening after ten days filled with creativity, performance and celebration. The small town on the south coast of the Isle of Wight welcomed audiences to more than 130 shows, spanning theatre, comedy, live music and dance. Highest ever ticket salesThis year saw a record-breaking number of […]
