Thank you to Kerry Tindall at Independent Arts for sharing this story with us.
As part of CAN YOU HEAR US?, Independent Arts are working with their creative groups using the shared themes of seeds and wildflower meadows as a starting point for creative exploration.
Working with Island textile artist Mandy Bangerter, participants from MAP (Independent Arts’ Men’s Art Project) have begun creating the 10 meter painted backdrop for a wild meadow artwork that will be created with people from across the Island’s creative communities at Independent Arts.
There was lots of fun splashing, dripping, printing and painting onto fabrics with plant and natural materials. Kerry goes on to say:
“We all got pretty much plastered in paint as 8 meters of work were covered on the day. I think we could have pushed on through to the full 10 given a bit more time, there was no shortage of will or enthusiasm. It was one of those days when we all really benefited from chucking caution and restraint in the pending pile and channeled our inner Jackson Pollocks instead!”
More from Independent Arts
As part of CAN YOU HEAR US?, Independent Arts will work with their creative groups and eight residential care homes, using the shared ideas of the seed and the wildflower meadow as a starting point. These themes will open conversations, reflections and memories within each group, helping ideas to emerge and grow.
Another element of this strand are the Creative Cafe, Arts Lab, Mindful Moments and The Wellbeing Cafe, which are informal workshops that are guided and supported to create work in ways that suit you, with the project culminating in a public event where the artwork created will be shared and celebrated. One recent attendee shared that it was “One of the best afternoons I’ve had in a long time”
All ages are welcome, and you can find out more about each session and get involved by checking our events page (where you can also filter by age!) Join in the celebration and have the best afternoon.
Independent Arts is a welcoming space for people to come together for creative activity over a cup of tea and a chat, as well as a vital and safe hub for the Island’s community.
Between now until the end of October, we’re building up to our 6-week celebration by collaborating with exceptional partners to host a vibrant range of FREE community-led activities, to ensure that everyone has access to creative opportunities. We’re talking theatre, carnival, music, food, nature, craft and stories. Reconnect with your community, try something new and join in the Island’s biggest celebration. Join us from 11th September – 24th October 2026 for the Island’s 6-week celebration of creativity and culture: CAN YOU HEAR US?
