Written by Amy Hall.
If you live on the Isle of Wight, by now you may have come across or even befriended members of the Creative Island team. If you’ve not had to chance to meet the wonderful little team of passionate people that bring Creative Island to life, then get to know them in this new meet the team series.
Get to know the people behind the projects. Here’s Claire Paul.
Who are you and what do you do at Creative Island?
I’m Claire and I oversee everything connected to education, children and young people. It’s a real privilege to provide and connect educators with opportunities and to spark lasting relationships between our schools and the incredible cultural professionals here on the Island. My aim is to help support a more creative curriculum and varied enrichment offer in order to expose potential and raise ambition.
Where’s your favourite spot on the Isle of Wight and why?
I live in Carisbrooke and whilst I haven’t always lived on the Island it is also where I went to school, so I feel very connected to it. I also love the involuntary deep in-breath I take when driving over Blackgang into Niton or as you approach Compton Bay.
What makes the Island so great for you?
I can’t believe the impressive array of people that have grown up on the Island and gone on to do great things both on the Island and all over the world. In my experience, wherever you travel you meet someone with a connection to this place. So, I think there’s something special about the personalities, individual talents and entrepreneurial resilience that this place can inspire.
If you could change one thing about the Island, what would it be?
The cost of ferries to and from the Island and the cost of transport around the Island (particularly for school groups) is something that needs to change. These costs raise an impassable barrier for many and do not allow for equal access to opportunity for residents.
When you’re not at your day job, what can we find you doing?
Walking with my Springer Spaniel, watching movies with my family, and always working on a project on my house!
What does Creative Island mean to you?
Creative Island is the ambition to support, develop and collaborate to foster a place where people are proud of where they live because of its culture, ideas and communities.
Check back to hear from the rest of the team.
