Creative Island has announced the successful securing of £704,000 in funding, including £440,000 from Arts Council England, to deliver a year-long programme of cultural activity across the Isle of Wight.
The project will celebrate the Island as a forward-looking and ambitious collection of communities, with a focus on supporting young people and encouraging creativity in all corners of the Isle of Wight.
The initiative will culminate in a 6-week celebration in Autumn 2026.
Phil Gibby, Regional Director of Arts Council South West, has 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.”
The programme, titled Can You Hear Us?, is inspired by Marconi’s historic first radio message from the Island. It stems from the Isle of Wight’s cultural strategy All the Wonder, with the goal of building a more confident and resourceful cultural sector where creativity is central to future growth and prosperity.
Gavin Stride, Director of Creative Island, has said:
“This is such a positive signal for the island, recognising as it does the remarkable creative community that exists here.
“It offers us an opportunity to demonstrate what we are capable of together. Our dearest hope is that this is the start of something bigger in which the wider world recognises the Isle of Wight as the special, ambitious and creative place that it is.”
The year-long programme will involve every part of the Island, working with a wide range of partners including young people, amateur makers, village halls, and the literary community. Plans include the launch of a new big top tent to host events and create connections between communities and the places they call home.
The project is also being supported by Isle of Wight Council, National Landscapes, various trust funds and local giving organisations.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Portfolio Holder for Culture, has said:
“This award is just fabulous, enabling a year of cultural activities right across the island reaching every community.
“This is only possible with the combined commitment of all the partners, such as the IW Council, Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council and Ryde Town Council – and the belief in the island from ACE. My thanks also to the dynamic leadership from Creative Island who had the vision to make this a reality.”
One of the next steps is to appoint a project producer and support team to bring together the various strands of the programme. Further details on how the community can get involved will be shared in the coming months.
