Mill Town structure built by young carers

Latest Independent Arts exhibition explores the history of Newport Mills

Local arts for wellbeing charity, Independent Arts, are pleased to announce their new exhibition – The History of Newport Mills.

This new exhibition is part of Renew Newport which runs alongside the High Street Heritage Action Zones project funded by Historic England. This work is designed to help reconnect people to Newport through cultural activities.

New and old
The History of Newport Mills is a combination of a fairly traditional museum style exhibition, featuring images and historical information, but it is supplemented by some wonderful artworks created as a response to the exhibition.

The work has been produced by young people from across the Island including young carers, 1st Newport Scouts (Old Guard) and pupils of years 5 and 6 at St Helens Primary School.

Griffiths: The work with young people helps bring all the history together
Hannah Griffiths, Community Engagement Manager of Independent Arts, said,

“The History of Newport Mills exhibition has been a great way to connect people with the history of buildings that they walk past every day. The young people’s artwork really complements the exhibition. A working watermill created by Young carers and Studio Wren brings the mills to life.

“A 3D map of Newport created by the Scouts supported by artist Vicky Wilson shows where the mills were located around Newport.

“The collage made by pupils at St Helen’s Primary school has been made using some of the materials made and milled around Newport. They school has been working artist Jo James and have used a series of artistic mediums including sewing, felting and collograph.

“The work helps bring all the history together. It has been lovely to give young people the chance to be involved in creating such a diverse range of artwork.”

Where and when
The exhibition is open daily from 10am – 4.30pm (closed Sundays and Bank Holiday) at Independent Arts Creative Hub, 48 High Street, Newport PO30 1SE.

Entry to the exhibition is free and will run until 10th June.

For more information about the charity visit the Independent Arts Website.


News shared by Ralph on behalf of Independent Arts. Ed