Back in the summer of 2021, News OnTheWight broke the news of something big and exciting happening in Ryde.
Today (Tuesday), we’re able to announce that Arts Council England are going to invest £2,077,958 into the Shademakers ‘Department’ project to turn a former department store in Ryde into a vibrant and important creative hub and events venue.
£48m Cultural Investment Fund
The grant comes as part of a £48 million post being shared out from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Cultural Investment Fund.
The DCMS announced on Saturday that more than 60 galleries, museums, libraries and cultural venues will receive funding to improve people’s access to the arts, safeguard cultural assets for future generations and power economic growth through culture.
George: Proud to have been acknowledged by the DCMS
Sharon George from Shademakers told News OnTheWight,
“We are delighted that our ambitions can be realised for the creation of a cultural space in Ryde for the Island.
“We are pleased to work with a partnership of like minded associates, creatives and organisations whose intention is to form participation through the regeneration of the High Street.
“We are also proud to have been acknowledged by the DCMS after continual service to the community for over 30 years, whose benefits now serve the whole of the Isle of Wight and surrounding areas.”
The application to the Cultural Development Fund was made in partnership with Isle of Wight Council.
Supporting the creative industries
Shademakers, one of the leading carnival groups in Europe, took on the lease for the former Elizabeth Packs department store last year and set about investing not only their own time and money to realise their ambitions for the premises, but have supported and encouraged artists throughout, giving up window space, running workshops and more.
Multi-award winning Turner Works
The initial plans and feasibility designs were created by the multi-award winning Turner Works, a group or architects who are well-known for their clever reuse of space, reinvigorating old buildings.
Simon at Turner Works threw his support into the project and despite the limitations of lockdown etc, managed to put together a stunning plan for the creative hub. Turner Works will now be able to make those drawings become a reality.
Plans for the building include:
- create a space to display and perform,
- to connect local makers with the community,
- to learn and exchange skills,
- to dream big, a space for the local community to thrive
- and most importantly of all, a space for all to feel welcome in.
A peek inside
News OnTheWight were the first to have a tour of the building last year, check out the photos from inside and plans for the creative hub.
The Isle of Wight was recently named as a priority area for Arts Council England investment and this sizeable grant for the Department project illustrates their commitment to the Island.
Image: © Julian Winslow
