Quay Arts is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a free birthday weekend packed with live entertainment, exhibitions and family-friendly activities, marking 5 decades at the heart of the Isle of Wight’s creative community.
The Newport arts venue, which first opened its doors in 1976, has announced a special Birthday Weekend on 22nd and 23rd August, with the public invited to join in the celebrations.
The free event will see Quay Arts come alive with a programme of music, art, dance, comedy, circus performances and more, with organisers promising entertainment for all ages. A full programme of events is due to be announced in the coming weeks.
The celebrations will begin even earlier with ‘The Centre Exhibition’, which will run from 27th July until 13th September in the venue’s West Gallery.
The exhibition will chart the history of Quay Arts over the past half-century, featuring a timeline of artworks, archive material and personal stories from those who have helped shape the organisation since it was established.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, members of the public are being encouraged to share their own memories of Quay Arts, whether from exhibitions, performances, workshops or personal experiences at the venue.
Del Seymour, Centre Manager, has said:
“Turning 50 is a milestone we’re proud to celebrate with a vibrant birthday weekend of music, theatre, comedy, poetry, circus, dance and more and an exhibition that reflects the spirit of Quay Arts.
“We’re calling on everyone who’s been part of our journey to share their memories and help us capture the legacy of this remarkable creative hub.”
Over the past 50 years, Quay Arts has become one of the Isle of Wight’s leading cultural venues, hosting thousands of exhibitions, performances, workshops and community events while supporting artists, performers and creative organisations from across the Island and beyond.
Those wishing to share their memories of Quay Arts or find out more about the anniversary celebrations can do so via the Quay Arts website ahead of the birthday weekend in August.
