Nature Calling initiative invites fresh perspectives from writers and filmmakers
The Isle of Wight National Landscape Partnership (formerly known as the AONB) has announced two new creative commissions as part of a national programme called Nature Calling. This project invites Island residents to bring fresh voices and perspectives to the landscape through writing and film. Two commissions now openThe programme includes two funded opportunities: a […]
New art venues on the Isle of Wight celebrate creativity and community connection
The Isle of Wight’s cultural landscape has recently flourished with the opening of two new art galleries: The Mead Gallery in Ryde’s Monkton Village and Gallery 44 in Ventnor. The Mead Gallery: A New Beacon in RydeThe Mead Gallery has now opened opposite Monkton Arts in Ryde, further cementing the area’s reputation as a vibrant […]
Past Futures – a people’s history of the Isle of Wight: a new heritage fund for the Island
Creative Island, in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation is pleased to be launching a new heritage fund – ‘Past Futures’ – A People’s History of the Isle of Wight. ‘Past Futures’ is an 18 month programme funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund to broaden the range of voices telling the […]
Platform One students set to showcase ethical designs and portfolios
Platform One College for Creative Education will present its annual Sustainable Fashion Show on Friday 16th May, set in the historic and atmospheric setting of Newport Minster. Guests can arrive from 7pm, with time to browse student portfolios and view the creative work on display before the runway show begins. Over 40 original designs on […]
Isle of Wight Libraries join national celebration of reading
Isle of Wight Council libraries will take part in World Book Night on Tuesday, 23rd April 2025. This annual celebration encourages people of all reading levels to enjoy any book, in any format, for the sheer pleasure of reading. Accessible books for allAt the centre of World Book Night 2025 are ‘Quick Reads’ — short, […]
Celebrating local talent: Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase opens at Quay Arts
Earlier this month, Quay Arts in Newport welcomed more than 110 guests to celebrate the opening of the Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase Exhibition. Attendees included artists, art enthusiasts and local dignitaries, among them both the outgoing and incoming High Sheriffs of the Isle of Wight. Guests enjoyed drinks and lively conversation in the […]
Solent Cultural Forum calls for collaboration, devolution and stronger cultural leadership
The first Solent Cultural Forum, held in Southampton last week, brought together voices from across the region’s cultural sector to explore how collaboration and devolution could shape its future. Opening the morning session, Gavin Stride (Creative Island’s Director) emphasised a shift in thinking—from ownership to sharing—as a defining feature of successful cultural work. He encouraged […]
Creative Island secures £704,000 to boost cultural initiatives across the Isle of Wight
Creative Island is pleased to announce that they have secured £704,000, including £440,000 from Arts Council of England towards a year-long series of activities designed to celebrate the Isle of Wight as a forward looking and ambitious set of distinctive communities. A place in which young people can flourish and which nurtures creativity by everyone […]
Isle of Wight Book Awards 2025: Entries now open for Island-inspired authors
Writers with a passion for the Isle of Wight—whether drawn from its landscapes, history, or people—can now enter their work for the 2025 Isle of Wight Book Awards. The Awards, which open for submissions from 1st April, celebrate books that feature the Island as a central thread. Now in their fourth year, they aim to […]
Explore artistic talent at the Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase Exhibition
Spring has arrived, Easter is just ahead, and two May Bank Holidays are fast approaching. With these welcome breaks in the calendar, the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar offers the perfect reason to get out and explore. Showcase exhibition at Quay ArtsOpening on Thursday 3rd April, the Isle of Wight Open Studios season begins with […]