Later this month, Ventnor Exchange will celebrate a milestone anniversary, marking ten years as one of the Isle of Wight’s most vibrant cultural spaces.
Founded by a group of young Ventnorians, Ventnor Exchange set out to create a permanent home for the Ventnor Fringe Festival. Over the years, it has blossomed into a year-round destination for the arts, providing a space where creativity and community thrive.
From Post Office to Cultural Hub
Co-Director Mhairi Macaulay shares insights into how the former Post Office on Church Street was transformed into the lively Ventnor Exchange. She explains,
“Today, Ventnor Exchange is a thriving hub of workshops, clubs, socials, a record store, a performance space, and co-working space.”
With a mission to make cultural experiences accessible to all, Ventnor Exchange reaches across the Island, offering an inclusive space that fosters creativity and connection.
As a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), all funds generated go back into creating more opportunities and experiences, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and engaging for everyone.
A decade of cultural investment
In the past ten years, the team has worked continuously to refurbish and revitalise Ventnor Exchange’s building. They’ve hosted hundreds of events, commissioned new works, as well as inviting a variety of creative groups and clubs to make the Exchange their home.
Ventnor Exchange is not only a performance and arts venue, but also operates as a café and craft beer bar, open seven days a week. This multi-functional space has become an essential part of Ventnor’s community, providing a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike.
£10 for 10 Years raffle
To mark this anniversary, the team is launching a ‘£10 for 10 Years Raffle’. With prizes generously donated by local businesses and organisations such as Isle of Wight Festival, Isle of Wight Distillery, Eurovines and many more, the raffle offers supporters a chance to win unique items while contributing to the Exchange’s future.
Tickets for the raffle are available on the Ventnor Exchange website, with proceeds going directly towards sustaining and expanding the cultural experiences offered.
A day of celebrations
On Saturday 30th November, Ventnor Exchange will host a day and evening of performances and festivities, celebrating a decade of creativity and community. The day’s programme showcases some of the vibrant groups and performers who regularly use the space, highlighting the Exchange’s role in supporting local talent.
Co-Director Jack Whitewood invites the community to join in,
“Ventnor Exchange means many things to many people, so let’s get together to look back on the amazing creative experiences we’ve had and look forward to what comes next.”
What’s on:
- 10am – Free tea served all day
- 12:30pm – 1pm – Ventnor Ukulele Lubbers General Assembly
- 1:30pm – 1:45pm – Ventnor Exchange Community Choir
- 2pm – 2:30pm – VEX Spoken Word Collective
- 3pm – Raffle winners announced
- 4:30pm – 6pm – Live music from Romy Helen
- 9pm – 12am – Birthday Silent Disco with KafTan VS Nipsy (Tickets £7 from the Box Office)
The celebration promises to be a fitting tribute to ten years of Ventnor Exchange, showcasing the diversity and passion that have made it such an integral part of the Island’s cultural landscape.
