Independent Arts has transformed an empty space on Newport High Street into a vibrant art gallery and well-being hub for art-based projects that can benefit your mental and physical health.
The People’s Pop-Up Gallery – known as PPUG – is located at 33 High Street, near the Guildhall. There will be a series of engaging exhibitions held here and the Hub will act as a social prescribing referral service for anyone who feels they may benefit either mentally or physically from one of several projects facilitated by Independent Arts (IA).
Changing lives through art is very much the impetus behind IA. Established in 1987, they now lead the way on the Island for arts-based social prescribing. Social prescribing is simply where people receive non-medical help to improve their health and well-being through activities delivered in a social setting.
Most of the artwork due to be exhibited at PPUG has been produced either at therapeutic workshops run by Independent Arts or in environments designed to give artistic opportunities to people and children of all backgrounds.
Wendy Varley, Chair of Trustees at Independent Arts, says:
“Independent Arts will always be a charity delivering arts programmes for the benefit of the most vulnerable people on the Isle of Wight; people of all ages experiencing disadvantage or social isolation, those with long term health problems and elderly people in care homes”.
The result is a rich body of work ranging from poignant black and white photographic portraiture to ceramic sculptures to intricate textile panels that feature the heritage of Newport. The opening exhibition, Time and Tide, features extraordinary artistic responses to local history created primarily by residents of Southern Housing schemes and care homes across the Island and at other workshop events held at libraries.
Kate Ball, Chief Executive of IA, adds:
“We are delighted that The Gravesend and District Real Estate Company have given us the opportunity to use this space and would especially like to thank Tony Scotcher from Scotcher and Co for making this possible”.
PPUG will be open Thurs-Sat 10:30-15:30, although times may vary. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities or would like to find out more visit www.independentarts.org.uk or email [email protected] or call 01983 822437.
