Future Creative Careers Week returned to the Isle of Wight for its third consecutive year in 2026, with the programme bringing together schools and industry professionals to connect young people with creative career pathways.
This year’s edition featured more than 80 workshops delivered by 36 professionals drawn from both on and off the Island, reaching more than 2,000 pupils across 27 educational settings at primary, secondary, and post-16 levels.
Island-wide reach
Claire Paul, Creative Island’s Education Director, reflected on the week’s impact,
“It is such a pleasure to see this week come together through the collaboration of schools and industry professionals who care so deeply about the future of our Island’s young people.”
She added,
“Speaking to children across the week, I can see and hear how creative subjects and the freedom to be creative in their learning, ignites imagination and motivates them to attend school and try hard in all their subjects.”
Connecting schools with the Creative Sector
Creative Island runs the programme through the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership (IWCEP), which exists to connect schools with the creative sector and broaden opportunities for young people across the Island.
The partnership supports teachers to embed creativity into everyday learning through workshops, professional development opportunities and collaborations with artists.
Moments that matter
Teachers reported meaningful responses from their pupils during the week. One teacher at Oakfield Primary CE described what the experience meant for some of their children:
“It is so important for our children to have their aspirations broadened, they do not have the cultural capital to enable them to consider a range of different career options such as these.”
The teacher noted one particularly memorable moment,
“One child, who does not show emotions easily, was caught on camera, relaxed and smiling — this was a joy to see.”
Looking ahead
Future Creative Careers Week will return from Monday 1st February to Friday 5th February 2027, with Claire Paul already looking to next year,
“Now it’s time to start planning for next year!”
