Launching in February 2022 is a unique programme designed to help creatives and artists on the Isle of Wight develop their practice – involving Creative Zoom sessions, 1-2-1 creative business mentoring, photo shoots, portfolio sessions, away days, networking events, bursaries and more.
The IW Creative Network Development Programme will bring together artists, makers and creative professionals wanting to develop their business and creative skills on the IW. It will seek to widen and strengthen the artistic and creative community on the IW at a time of change and development.
This project will enable creative individuals to grow the skills they need and give them the opportunity to share their knowledge with one another, to retain talent and sustain their creative practice on the IW.
Funding awarded
The project has been very kindly supported by Arts Council England, awarding £35,591 to support the project, with an additional £4,000 from the Isle of Wight Council.
Wightlink and Red Funnel are also supporting the project providing free ferry travel for two networking away days to Portsmouth and Southampton later in the year.
Newman: Deeply passionate about supporting creative talent
The IW Creative Network Development Programme is developed and managed by Georgia Newman.
Georgia is a freelance Creative Producer on the IW and through her work over the past twelve years for the Island’s leading multidisciplinary art centre, Quay Arts, she has gained a wealth of knowledge in collaborative working, public engagement and arts networking.
“I’m absolutely thrilled Arts Council England and the IW Council are supporting the IW Creative Network Development Programme. It will support so many creatives on the Isle of Wight, whatever stage they’re at, background, or discipline.
“There hasn’t been a creative professional development programme on the IW for over 15 years, which gives this pilot programme a real opportunity to allow creatives on the IW to thrive by offering learning opportunities, resources and visiting new spaces. Visiting other networks off-Island is vital for creative professionals, not only to be inspired by new work and people, it is an enriching way for creatives to develop their own practice – through conversation and seeing new spaces, as it can be incredibly isolating and geographically limiting living and working on an island.
“I am deeply passionate about supporting creative talent here on the IW. Through extensive consultation with creatives, before and since the start of the pandemic, there has been a real need and demand for this kind of support. A little push in the right direction can take an individuals practice to the next level, and that’s what I hope this development programme will achieve.”
Jones-Evans: 30 per cent of Islanders work in creative industries
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans states,
“The timing of this project is perfect, coinciding as it does with the early stages of the Island being an Arts Council England Priority Place and part of its Let’s Create programme. Island artists from a myriad of creative practices have a great opportunity here to develop their craft, network with others across the Solent region and the option to hone their marketing.
“On the Island around 30 per cent of people work in creative industries, so support here has the potential to have a significant impact in elevating this important sector.”
What does the Development Programme involve?
Creative Zoom sessions
The development programme will include creative sessions via Zoom throughout the year by professional creatives, mentors and artists. Speakers will provide talks on building your business through social media, motivation & productivity and goal mapping.
Experts in arts fundraising will discuss their stories on navigating arts funding, as well as talks on artist collectives, DIY initiatives, utilising your practice to create workshops, community projects and creative projects linked to the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status.
Networking events and away days
The programme includes networking events at cultural venues on the IW throughout the year as well as away days and site visits to other creative networks and studio spaces in Southampton and Portsmouth, with free ferry travel provided by Wightlink and Red Funnel.
More opportunities
Members will be able to apply for further opportunities with experts in their field of work:
- 1-2-1 creative business mentoring sessions with creative entrepreneur Mick Smith
- 1-2-1 portfolio advice with arts advisor Alys Scott Hawkins
- Photo shoots of their practice with Photographer Julian Winslow
- As well as bursary grants to help develop their creative practice.
All available for creatives to apply for when they become a member of the IW Creative Network.
New website
A new website will launch later in the year, profiling individual members. This creative directory will also include profiles of pop-up spaces, exhibition spaces, studios and co-working spaces, cultural venues and creative facilities on the IW. The website will include news and opportunities as well as a resource area and an extra members-only resource area with all of the recorded creative Zoom sessions – so members can access them at anytime.
How to get involved
Individuals will need to sign up to the IW Creative Network to become a member and pay a one-off £30 fee for the year.
The programme will take place throughout the year, finishing in December 2022.
To get the latest information, follow ‘IW Creative Network’ on Instagram and Facebook.
News shared by Georgia on behalf of the Isle of Wight Creative Network. Ed
