At last night’s launch of the new season of events at Quay Arts, artistic director Robert Miles, who joined in April 2013, told OnTheWight it was his last day working at the Island’s main arts centre as they undergo changes.
Robert will be going back to his theatre roots to work with a theatre company in Windsor.
He explained that whilst on holiday this summer, it became clear to him that Quay Arts were paying for exhibitions and acts to come to the Island and hoping Islanders would visit them, with Quay Arts (a charity) taking on all the risk.
He felt a new way of thinking was needed, so with the support of the Trustees, the new idea going forward is that Quay Arts will now become the Island’s space to programme as they feel.
Islanders become artistic directors
Robert explained the removal of Arts Council funding has meant Quay Arts has lost the ability to continue to take the risks, so future programming of exhibitions and events is now in the hands of Islanders.
The arts charity will act as a facilitator, for people to go to with ideas. The Quay will work to facilitate events and help raise funding. They hope the new model will strengthen its position as a creative hub and help to nurture talent.
Facilities manager, Charlotte Denman-Johnson told OnTheWight she felt Island artists have been pushed into Rope Store Gallery for some time and as there’s lots of talent on the Island they want to be able to give them more space to do that.
Best of luck to all at Quay Arts, we hope the Isle of Wight gets behind the new model and the centre continues to be the success it is today.
