Creative Island has now started the first round of its new initiative, the Past Futures programme.
The scheme aims to involve more people in telling the Isle of Wight’s history, offering support to local not-for-profit groups who want to take part.
Drop-in sessions in Newport and Sandown
To help anyone interested, the team is holding two informal drop-in events.
The first will take place on Thursday 5th June, from 10am to 1pm, at the Riverside Centre in Newport.
The second session runs on Friday 6th June, between 5pm and 7pm, at Boojum & Snark in Sandown.
There’s no need to book in advance – you can turn up at any time during the session.
Talk to the team and share your ideas
The drop-ins are a chance to speak directly with the team behind Past Futures.
You can ask Kelly Wetherick, the new Heritage Lead, about the grant process. You can email her for more info at [email protected].
Kelly will be helping applicants select ideas from their repertoires that best align with the funding criteria, and that would be most beneficial for them to pursue as a potential full application. It’s important to note that more than one bid from the same group or organisation for the same round would not be considered.
Digital consultant Martha Henson and evaluation expert Caroline Barnes will also be available for one-to-one conversations.
If you’re still forming your project idea, feel free to take along any documents or artefacts that might help guide your thinking.
Applicants can only make
Exploring untold stories
Past Futures is an 18-month programme funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund, offering grants of £5,000 to £10,000.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation is facilitating the project. Its goal is to broaden the range of voices contributing to the Island’s heritage story.
The programme supports projects that explore identity through heritage, especially those from perspectives that have not yet been widely heard.
You can find full details and application criteria on the Creative Island website.
Article edit
1.25pm 27th May 2025 – Caroline Pakel corrected to Caroline Barnes.
9am 29th May 2025 – Extra info about how many applications permitted added
