Isle of Wight Short Story Competition returns for 16th year

Dark scene with corona typewriter on desk with unusual desk lamp

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 […]

Isle of Wight Open Studios celebrates another successful year of creativity

Artists at the open studios wrap party at quay arts

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

Typewriter with sheet of typed writing saying Funding Round

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 […]

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 […]

Nature Calling initiative invites fresh perspectives from writers and filmmakers

Bluebell Walk at East Knighton Woods

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

Ceramic acrobats sculpture by Gillian Clarke hanging from the ceiling at The Mead Gallery

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 […]

NOW CLOSED. Join the team – we’re hiring for a Project Producer

Creative Island is looking for an experienced Producer to oversee the successful delivery of a Place Partnership for the Isle of Wight. Can You Hear Us? is a £700,000 multi strand programme of activity, working across the Island with a range of delivery partners to champion all that the Island is as a place to […]

Solent Cultural Forum calls for collaboration, devolution and stronger cultural leadership

Speaker at solent cultural forum meeting

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

people in an audience cheering and applauding

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 […]