Biosphere Festival returns this weekend with over 60 nature-inspired events across the Island
The Isle of Wight will host more than 60 community-led events from 28th June to 6th July as part of the Biosphere Festival, celebrating its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The nine-day festival offers a wide variety of activities including walks, talks, fashion shows, art exhibitions, music performances, storytelling sessions, films, nature tours and […]
Young voices celebrate Island life through song and art at Carisbrooke Castle
Last Thursday, the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership (IWCEP) brought together hundreds of primary school pupils for a unique celebration of childhood, community and creativity. Held at Carisbrooke Castle in collaboration with English Heritage, the event, titled Our Day Will Come, was led by the Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub. A collective […]
Isle of Wight Short Story Competition returns for 16th year
Isle of Wight charity, Sight for Wight, has announced the return of its annual Short Story Writing Competition, which launched earlier this week (16th June). Now in its 16th year, the competition continues to mark the charity’s 160th anniversary, a milestone first honoured by its patrons, crime authors RC Bridgestock. Theme: SuperheroThis year’s theme is […]
Local Artists invited to transform court cell in youth-led mural project
Isle of Wight artists are being invited to apply for a new project that will see a court cell at the Isle of Wight Courts transformed through a youth-led mural initiative. The project, funded by #BeeWell and coordinated by Artswork, will bring together children supported by the Youth Justice Service (YJS) and a professional artist […]
Isle of Wight Open Studios celebrates another successful year of creativity
More than 150 artists opened their studio doors across the Isle of Wight this May, welcoming visitors into their creative spaces. The event wrapped up with a relaxed gathering at Quay Arts’ West Gallery, offering artists and organisers a chance to reconnect, share stories and celebrate the spirit of this much-loved initiative. Celebrating community and […]
Grants available for arts and culture organisations to enhance fundraising skills
Charitable and not-for-profit organisations working in the arts, culture and heritage sectors can now apply for grants of up to £2,500. The Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy funding aims to develop skills and build collaboration among fundraising professionals, addressing the growing challenges arts organisations face in sustaining their work. Extra support for accessibilityApplicants can also request […]
Join the Past Futures initiative: Drop-in sessions to explore your Isle of Wight heritage ideas
Creative Island has now entered the first round of the Past Futures programme, a new initiative designed to encourage wider participation in telling the Isle of Wight’s history. To support local groups and individuals applying for the £5,000-£10,000 grants, the team is hosting two informal drop-in sessions for anyone interested in taking part. Drop-in sessions […]
Celebrating creativity through birdsong: New national music competition launched
Birdsong has inspired generations of musicians, from the elegance of Vivaldi’s Goldfinch Concerto to Beyoncé’s cover of Blackbird. Now, a new music competition invites today’s amateur musicians to join that tradition. The Lark Music-Making Competition, open to anyone aged over 18, encourages solo performers to submit music inspired by birds – in title, theme or […]
Isle of Wight launches national exemplar nature recovery strategy
The Isle of Wight has launched its Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a major plan to restore and protect the Island’s wildlife and habitats. The strategy received unanimous approval from government and has been described as a national exemplar for England. A pioneering approach to reversing nature lossThe Island’s LNRS is only the fourth to […]
Isle of Wight Open Studios 2025: Build your own art trail
From Friday 16th May to Bank Holiday Monday 26th May, the Isle of Wight becomes a vibrant hub of creativity as Open Studios 2025 gets underway. More than 150 artists across the Island are opening their doors to the public, inviting visitors to explore their working studios and meet the makers behind the work. Step […]