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 […]
The first Solent Cultural Forum takes place in Southampton
Creative Island, Portsmouth Creates and Southampton Forward are pleased to announce the first Solent Cultural Forum, taking place on Thursday April 3rd 2025, from 11am- 2pm at Southampton Football Club. Designed as an opportunity to connect, share and better understand the context and current dynamics across the Solent, this is an informal gathering of all those working in and […]
Shademakers UK launches DepARTment, revitalising historic site in Ryde
Shademakers UK, the powerhouse behind the new DepARTment arts centre in Ryde, closed the road on Thursday last week for the long-awaited formal opening. The dramatic red gates, designed by Alice Malia were swung open after Mayor of Ryde, Richard May, cut the ribbon and declared DepARTment open to the public. Earlier in the day, […]
Creatives urged to engage with UK government’s copyright and AI consultation
If you are an artist or photographer on the Isle of Wight make sure you respond to this UK government consultation on ‘Copyright and Artificial Intelligence’ (AI), before it closes on Tuesday 25th February. The consultation proposes a new copyright exception that would permit AI companies to train their models on copyrighted content without payment—unless […]
Isle of Wight shines at Portsmouth Music Awards with local talent and venue recognition
The Isle of Wight is making a strong impression at the latest Portsmouth Music Awards. Not only have talented artists from the Island been recognised, but a much-loved local music venue has also been shortlisted. Artists in the runningYoung indie rockers 5 Degrees North are in contention for Indie/Rock/Alternative/Metal Act of the Year. Former Islander […]
Over £40,000 raised at the successful Under The Bed Sale IW
Last week’s Under The Bed Sale IW was a huge success, with more than £40,000 raised in sales of artwork by Isle of Wight artists. More than 50 artists had their work on display for over a week at Quay Arts in Newport, attracting increased footfall from the previous year’s sale in Ryde. The annual […]
Isle of Wight filmmaker celebrates recognition for short film with Toyah Willcox
A short film shot on the Isle of Wight, and produced by an Island-based filmmaker, has received another prestigious accolade, further cementing its place in the independent film circuit. Weightless, starring the celebrated Toyah Willcox, won Best Experimental Drama at the Soho London Independent Film Festival last weekend. Exploring a powerful storyDirected by Lois Norman, […]
Isle of Wight Open Studios returns with 151 participating artists this May
The Isle of Wight is set to host a vibrant celebration of artistic talent this May as Isle of Wight Open Studios makes its much-anticipated return. With an impressive 151 artists signed up to participate, the Island will transform into a hub of creativity, welcoming art lovers from near and far. Run by a new […]
Isle of Wight awarded prestigious EFFE Seal for commitment to cultural festivals
Creative Island is kicking off the New Year with some great news for the Isle of Wight arts and cultural scene. The Island has received the prestigious EFFE Seal from the European Festival Association (EFA). This accolade recognises cities and regions committed to integrating festivals and cultural activities into their development and European identity. Recognition […]
Creative Island leads the way in Connecting Libraries initiative
Creative Island is at the heart of an ambitious new project, Connecting Libraries, aimed at enhancing the role of libraries across the Isle of Wight as cultural and community hubs. In partnership with the Isle of Wight Council Library Service, Creative Island is facilitating this initiative with funding from Arts Council England (ACE). The project […]