Long known for its independent spirit and unique setting, Ventnor is launching a bold bid for national recognition as the UK Town of Culture, with a vision that aims to build on decades of DIY, homegrown creativity that has already built a reputation that punches far above its weight.
The Isle of Wight’s best-kept secret
For years, Ventnor has been the Isle of Wight’s best-kept secret. A town built on steep terraces with zig-zagging streets with unusual sub-tropical flora, a place that’s always been shaped by geography and climate with its own unique character and identity.
But following the news that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is searching for an inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028, Ventnor is stepping forward with a vision of grassroots, community led revival that aims to rewrite the rules about where and how culture is celebrated.
Whitewood: £3 million investment would be truly transformative
Local arts organisation Ventnor Exchange has volunteered to help coordinate a bid and will be hosting a series of town meetings over the coming weeks which are open to everyone.
Co-Director Jack Whitewood explained,
“We want as many people as possible to share their views and get involved.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate all that’s great about our town and the massive role culture plays, but also to think about the future and express as a community the story we want to tell.
“For a small town like Ventnor to win such an accolade and a £3 million investment would be truly transformative.”
Supporters
Ventnor Town Council voted this week to support the application, and IW Councillor Ed Blake has added his endorsement saying,
“Whether it’s the Ventnor Comic Jazz Band, the community spirit, or our smuggling ancestors, there are so many reasons to #VoteVentnor as the UK Town of Culture.”
Rich cultural heritage
The town’s credentials are hard to ignore. Over the last two decades, venues like Ventnor Arts Club, Ventnor Exchange and Peer Studios have joined long running institutions like Ventnor Carnival, the UK’s ‘hottest’ Botanic Garden and the town’s high-flying Cricket and Rugby teams.
Artisans like Sophie Honeybourne Jewellery and Roake Clothing have turned high street shops into living workshops, while Ventnor Fringe has grown from a tiny gathering into a sprawling, town wide takeover that is the largest event of its kind in the UK outside of a city, attracting hundreds of artists from around the world to the town each summer.
What unites it all is a grassroots, bohemian spirit that has become the town’s calling card and which organisers hope will encourage the judges to #VoteVentnor.
Get Involved
Town Meetings to share ideas and help shape the bid will be taking place on Sunday 22nd February 2pm-4pm and Sunday 8th March 2pm-4pm at Ventnor Exchange.
There will also be feedback forms available at Ventnor Exchange which is open everyday.
News shared by Jack on behalf of #VoteVentnor. Ed
