Creative Island Ident (Teal)
The Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight

Empowerment through the arts: Teens to manage new performance group on Isle of Wight

Tide Nor Time Players CIC, in collaboration with Carisbrooke Castle Museum and funded by the Isle of Wight Council’s Early Help Grant, is excited to announce the launch of a new Young People’s Performing Arts Group. This initiative targets young individuals aged 13 to 19, offering them an opportunity to become part of a lively […]

IW illustrator celebrates Wimbledon 2024 poster design

Bella Grace's wimbledon poster design

Bella Grace, an accomplished illustrator from the Isle of Wight, has called designing the official Wimbledon 2024 poster the pinnacle of her career. As a devoted tennis enthusiast, Bella was invited by the tournament organisers to create this prestigious artwork, inspired by the iconic trophies of Wimbledon. A blend of nature and sportHer poster is […]

Cultural Education Partnership unveils new CPD programme for educators

Phil beadle on stage presenting to audience

The Cultural Education Partnership is set to launch a new programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of their termly meetings for the academic year 2024-2025. The initiative aims to provide teachers and educators with opportunities to engage with cultural leaders and stay updated on the latest events and opportunities. Free CPD sessions for […]

Ventnor Fringe Festival gears up for an arts extravaganza later this month

Purple light on the audience watching show in Magpie Tent

Have you planned your Ventnor Fringe Festival events yet? The annual ten-day festival is less than three weeks away, boasting an impressive 216 performances across the broad spectrum of The Arts. Comedy remains a prominent feature once again. Comedy and moreTaking place between 19th and 28th July, comedians love heading to Ventnor to test out […]

Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival debuts with over 50 events this weekend

Bunting across the street with people milling in the street

This weekend, the Isle of Wight will host the inaugural Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, with over 50 events scheduled across the Island. The festival, a collaborative effort by the Isle of Wight Biosphere and Creative Island, receives support from The Common Space and Isle of Wight National Landscape. A variety of activities for all […]

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 […]