A new programme of public art commissions celebrating the Isle of Wight National Landscape has been announced.
The commissions form part of a major cultural programme launching next year and artists have until midnight on Sunday 14th December 2025 to submit their applications.
Part of Island-wide cultural programme
The three commissions will contribute to “Can You Hear Us?”, a six-week programme of arts and culture running across the Island in Autumn 2026, overseen by Creative Island – the Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight.
The programme takes place from 11th September to 24th October 2026.
The Isle of Wight National Landscape covers approximately half of the Island and belongs to a national network of 46 designated landscapes that support conservation and enhance natural environments for public benefit.
UNESCO has also granted the Island Biosphere Reserve status, recognising the balance between people and the natural world.
Celebrating Island life through art
The commissioned artists will work with local communities to explore wildlife, heritage, geology, stories and traditions.
The programme will feature performances, music, film, carnival, craft, food and community celebrations across towns and villages.
The organisers state they aim to “celebrate everything the Island is, to nurture creativity in every corner, and to make sure art and culture are part of daily life for everyone”.
They have designed the programme to focus on pride, participation and possibility, whilst connecting local voices with national and global audiences.
What the organisers seek from artists
The organisers want artists who can present the Isle of Wight as a contemporary and ambitious place.
Successful applicants will celebrate both natural and built heritage, whilst creating opportunities for young people to participate.
The commissions should encourage people to connect with nature through senses, emotion, beauty, meaning and compassion.
Appuldurcombe House commission
The first commission invites artists to create site-specific work at Appuldurcombe House and its surrounding landscape. The organisers particularly welcome ideas that explore and celebrate the less-told stories of this significant location.
This commission offers £16,000, with shortlisted artists each receiving £200 to develop their proposals further.
Artists must include at least one live public event at the site and undertake a research and development phase with English Heritage’s conservation and landscape teams.
The commission welcomes all art forms, including installation and sculptural work, though artists must observe specific site conditions such as avoiding inserting structures into the ground and protecting original flooring.
South and West Wight commissions
Two additional commissions will take place at locations across the South and West Wight.
Artists can propose sites from a list that may include the Needles New Battery, Brighstone Forest, St Catherine’s Oratory and Compton amongst others.
These commissions will focus on temporary or time-based public events rather than permanent installations.
Each commission has a value of £10,000.
Application process
Artists must submit an Expression of Interest outlining their proposal and approach.
Isle of Wight National Landscape and Creative Island provide further details and guidance on their websites.
Applications will be accepted until midnight on Sunday 14th December 2025.
