Ventnor Exchange on the Isle of Wight has unveiled a comprehensive plan for the next three years, aiming to revitalise cultural engagement across the Island.
The goal is to help change the way people perceive and interact with culture throughout the region.
Breaking boundaries
One of the core ideas is to extend the activities of Ventnor Exchange beyond its traditional venue.
While they have ventured outside before (Ventnor Fringe Festival and Isle of Wight Children’s Festival to name just two), now the aim is to significantly expand programming beyond the conventional space, in a bid to make cultural engagements more accessible to communities Island-wide.
This initiative stems from the strong connection the community has with its local environment.
Nature as a Stage
Islanders have told Ventnor Exchange that the land and sea is what most inspires them about their home, and that the Island’s isolated geography helps define their sense of identity.
Given the Island’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this initiative aligns well with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The landscape will become the stage and inspire the work they make —beaches, warehouses, village halls, libraries, and churches—are planned to be used as venues for storytelling and cultural interactions.
New mobile arts centre
A significant portion of the fundraising efforts will be directed towards acquiring a new Big Top tent.
This tent is envisioned as a mobile arts centre, capable of setting up in a village green, school playing field, or town square, bringing a portable version of Ventnor Exchange across the Island.
Each location will collaborate with community partners to enrich and broaden the cultural experience.
Innovating at Ingram’s Yard
Supporting this mobile venue will be a new Makers Space at Ingram’s Yard, conceived as a hub for creativity, development of new work, and a nurturing ground for artists.
Besides housing artist studios, it will also host a new regular outdoor market for Ventnor, adding a new vibrant chapter to the cultural life of the Island.
Reading the Plan
More details on this initiative can be found in the Delivery Plan on the Ventnor Exchange Website.
The plan, developed with input from the community, outlines the main areas of focus for the upcoming three years, reflecting on the next phase of Ventnor Exchange’s journey.
Article edit
8.30am 4th Oct 2023 – Article rewritten after feedback from readers
