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This autumn, the Isle of Wight came together for CAN YOU HEAR US?, a six-week celebration of creativity and culture. From the Ship of Hope carnival in Ryde to intimate village-hall gatherings around the Harvest Moon, from the Songs of Place finale to a packed Discovery Day celebrating Sandown, the programme showed what happens when a place decides to create together.
Over six weeks, 17 partner organisations brought more than 120 events to towns and villages across the Island, spanning carnival, music, theatre, folklore, writing, nature connection and art commission. Twenty-six community groups ran free activities through our micro-grants programme, from willow-weaving in Gurnard to a collaborative artwork for the new Isle of Wight Breast Unit. Twelve emerging cultural leaders completed a dedicated leadership programme, and hundreds of residents and visitors took part in events shaped by the people who live here.
But CAN YOU HEAR US? was never only about six weeks. It was about recognising and amplifying the creativity that is already here, the groups, artists and venues that run all year round, and inviting more people to be part of it.
The legacy film captures the pride and energy of the celebration. Massive thank you to Harry Bradley, Trudie Wilson, Sam Scadgell, Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub and Plastic Mermaids.
This is what's possible when a community comes together. This is what a Creative Island looks like.
CAN YOU HEAR US? Was possible thanks to Arts Council England's Place Partnership Fund, and supported by IOW Council.
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