Today, Saturday 8th March 2025, marks International Women’s Day. It is a day dedicated to highlighting issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and the fight against violence and abuse towards women.
However, it is also a day to celebrate those who support and empower women, helping them to thrive and grow.
A champion of female creativity
One such woman on the Isle of Wight is Tracy Mikich. For over a decade, Tracy has been a vital support to female creatives on the Island and beyond.
As one of the founders of Boojum&Snark, she has provided funded opportunities to countless women across various creative disciplines, including visual arts, creative writing and poetry. Boojum and Snark’s vision to “inspire collaboration and redefine the possibilities of creative spaces to ignite renewal” has certainly done just that.
Tracy has teamed up several times with Paul Coueslant of Sandown Carnival Association to help reignite the tradition of hat wearing at the town’s annual Regatta. It’s been a hugely successful community project which has gone on to be exhibited around the Island.
However, Tracy’s dedication extends beyond Boojum&Snark. She has helped creatives secure grants and curated exhibitions, as well as spearheading risograph publications, ensuring artists’ work reaches wider audiences.
A decade of unwavering support
OnTheWight gathered reflections from some of the women Tracy has supported over the years. Their words illustrate the profound impact she has had on their creative journeys.
Teresa Grimaldi shared her experience of working with Tracy at Boojum&Snark.
“As associate artist at Boojum&Snark I have worked and played alongside Tracy Mikich for some years now. Tracy is brilliant as a co-curator, creative producer, writer, friend and advocator of quality in whatever form.
“As an artist, Tracy has always driven me on to challenge my practice and always asks the big questions. She also puts the work out there. If not for her, my work would not get seen. She has believed in me – this is special.
“Tracy’s ever-enquiring mind provides the context, the critical eye and the overview.
“Her enduring support of artists, other human beings (and animals of course) is a massive superpower.
“But of course, Tracy is also a creative. I’m mindful that as T gives all her energy out to support others, her own creativity and ongoing projects need our mutual support and time.
“Big up T – Forget Springsteen – T’s the boss.”
A generous mentor and guide
Kathy Williams described Tracy as “quite simply the most generous hero on this Island”.
“Not only is she incredibly talented at seeing and nurturing creativity for individual artists and the Sandown community, she is also a wonderful writer… able to write the subtle with humour and honesty.
“Tracy has been instrumental in helping me build confidence and realise possibilities with my work that just needed unlocking. She saw it and has guided me (she continues to push!) towards new levels of artwork that may have taken longer to realise.
“What a truly kind, generous and talented individual she is.
“Happy International Women’s Day.”
An unstoppable creative force
Abi Wheeler highlighted Tracy’s fearless approach to creativity.
“Tracy tackles the gnarly head-on; with compassion, humour and unashamed vulnerability. This is why she is one of the best, most inspiring people I know and why her own creative outputs resonate so deeply with other people.”
Lauren Fry echoed this sentiment.
“What a force to be reckoned with! T was the first person to entrust me with a ‘proper’ commission and make me believe that the things I make hold value. Her feedback is always so super positive (although full of expletives, so not appropriate to share publicly).
“It truly is invaluable to have such a caring friend, creative champion and community anarchist in your corner, an irreplicable inspiration and incredible role model for the Island.
“Thanks T, keep rocking the boat!”
A catalyst for artistic growth
Sara Truckel shared how Tracy’s encouragement has transformed her own artistic career.
“Tracy has quite simply changed the course of my artist career and helped me move it forward in a way I could never have envisaged before a chance phone call with her about a project she wanted to get off the ground.
“Since that call with Tracy, her vision and support, whether she has been aware of it or not, has helped me see a future in the arts. I know I’m not the only woman on the Island who feels this way either. There is a whole army of us who have been supported, encouraged and inspired by Tracy.
“What a force for good she is. The female creative sector on the Island is so lucky to have her on our team!”
Creating opportunities for others
Poet Maggie Sawkins highlighted Tracy’s role in helping newcomers find their place within the Isle of Wight’s creative community.
“Since moving to the Island a few years ago I have worked on a number of innovative creative projects initiated by Tracy and her marvellous Boojum&Snark.
“It can be difficult when moving to a new place to get a foot in the door, so I’m indebted to Tracy for making this happen.”
A well-deserved recognition
Tracy Mikich’s impact on the Isle of Wight’s creative sector cannot be overstated. Her work has empowered countless women, giving them the confidence and opportunity to thrive in their artistic endeavours.
On this International Women’s Day, her dedication and generosity stand as a testament to the power of lifting others up.
Thank you Tracy for all that you do.
