A major funding boost of £704,000 is coming to the Isle of Wight to support a year of creative projects in towns and villages right across the Island.
A big chunk of the money – £440,000 – is from Arts Council England. It will help run events and activities that celebrate local life, finishing with a six-week Island-wide festival in autumn 2026.
Backing the Island’s creativity
Phil Gibby, Regional Director of Arts Council South West praised the Island’s creative momentum – (listen to our chat with Phil from the opening of Department).
He said,
“The Isle of Wight’s cultural ambitions are clear to everyone right now. From the opening of Department in Ryde, and the achievements of Platform One, the transformation of Ventnor and the wonderful carnival culture that brings the Island together, this is a place where the arts are at the heart of every conversation.
“Our investment will enable the Isle of Wight to go to the next level with its ambition; we applaud the artists, cultural leaders, politicians and stakeholders who have done so much to make this possible.”
“Can You Hear Us?” – a project for everyone
The programme is called Can You Hear Us?, a nod to Marconi’s first radio signal sent from the Island.
It’s part of a bigger plan called All The Wonder, which aims to help people feel more connected to where they live – and to each other – through creativity.
Over the year, people of all ages and backgrounds will be invited to take part. That includes young people, crafters, writers, food grower, as well as local halls and groups.
Support from local and national groups
On top of the Arts Council funding, the project also has support from the Isle of Wight council, National Landscapes, community trusts and individual donors.
Gavin Stride from Creative Island said it shows just how much talent the Island already has – and how much more could be achieved by working together. He said,
“This is such a positive signal for the Island. Our hope is that this helps the rest of the world see what a creative and special place this is.”
Creative Island is the organisation leading the project. It works to make sure everyone on the Island has the chance to take part in culture and creativity.
What’s next – and how to get involved
The next step is to bring in a project producer and support team to get things moving.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans said,
“This award is just fabulous.
“It means there’ll be cultural activities right across the Island, reaching every community.”
She thanked everyone who helped bring the project together, including local councils and the Arts Council.
More information will be shared soon about how people can join in.
Confirmed project partners include:
- Artswork
- Brevity
- IW Community Action
- Creative Lives
- Independent Arts
- Island Food Producers
- IW Music Hub
- Medina Publishing
- National Landscapes
- New Carnival
- Quay Arts
- Shademakers UK
- StoneCrabs Theatre
- Vectis Radio
- Ventnor Exchange
