Participants, volunteers, staff and arts practitioners welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex to Independent Arts Creative Hub in Newport on Tuesday afternoon.
The visit was arranged by the Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Susie Sheldon as part of the Jubilee celebrations. The Earl and Countess of Wessex met a range of organisations that have worked tirelessly to support islanders through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Packed lots in during hour-long visit
During the hour-long visit to the arts for wellbeing charity, The Earl, a longstanding supporter of the arts, joined in with a demonstration of therapeutic Singing for Breathing and toured the Heritage Newport Mills gallery exhibition of art installations created by Young Carers, the Newport Scouts and Year 5 students from St Helen’s Primary School.
His Royal Highness also learnt about the charity’s wellbeing workshops in care homes around the Island, meeting some of the hugely talented musicians and artists who bring such joy to residents, particularly those with dementia.
Arts for wellbeing supporting young people and families
The Earl heard about arts for wellbeing projects supporting young people and families across the Island, with a display of artworks from the Saturday Picture Play sessions, and by teenagers attending the Creative Hub to support their mental health.
Students from the IW Education Federation showed their stunning display of Biosphere Birds sculpted from wire, created as part of a year-long Creative Biosphere collaboration with artist-in-residence, Trudie Wilson.
Tried his hand at stitching
Volunteers and participants from the weekly Creative Cafe group chatted to His Royal Highness as they stitched Jubilee bunting.
The grand finale to the visit was a couple of rousing songs sung by all as part of the Islandwide SingAbout sessions that are run weekly.
Varley: A thoroughly enjoyable hour
Wendy Varley, chair of trustees, said of the visit,
“It was a privilege to be able to show The Earl of Wessex how Independent Arts makes a real difference to people’s lives here on the Island.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable hour.”
Loveridge: The whole experience has been magical
Local weekly participant at the charity Margaret Loveridge, who showed His Royal Highness how to sew Jubilee bunting, said afterwards,
“It was an honour to be invited to be part of the visit today, Independent Arts have given me so much, coming to their projects has helped me get my life back. The whole experience has been magical.
“It was my pleasure to represent the work of Independent Arts.”
News shared by Lisa on behalf of Independent Arts. Ed
