A new exhibition by arts for wellbeing charity Independents Arts at the Independent Art’s Creative Hub on Newport High Street showcases the work of young people coming to terms with some of the problematic issues facing them on the post-pandemic Isle of Wight.
Sleepscapes and Seascapes is the result of weekly workshops with professional artists Trudie Wilson, Lou Elliot, Kirstie Hayler, Sydney Cardew and Jessica Ong, which took place during 2021 and 2022.
The participants, aged 13 and upwards, were given opportunities to try a range of creative mediums with the aim of learning new creative skills and finding new means for self-expression and self-exploration, resulting in a striking exhibition.
Programme manager Kerry Tindall explains:
“Project workshops were designed to tackle some of the difficulties facing young people following their experiences during the pandemic, and to support them to achieve better mental health and wellbeing overall.”
Independent Arts continues to expand its work supporting the mental health and well-being of young people on the Isle of Wight. At the beginning of December, it exceeded its online fundraising target of £6,000 through the Big Give campaign to extend its youth-led public art project: Supporting Young Minds.
Independent Arts, on behalf of the Island Collection, is already running two successful Supporting Young Minds projects funded by Artswork: one in Sandown and Lake (supported by Community Action Isle of Wight) and one in Newport. With the additional money raised through the Big Give campaign, it plans to run a 3rd in Ventnor in the new year, working with Ventnor Exchange and Brave Island.
One current participant, Lily, explains the value of the project:
“I am enjoying how Independent Arts have allowed me to express myself more, and have helped build my confidence.”
Sleepscapes and Seascapes continues at Independent Arts until 31st January. Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Isle of Wight Council, Peoples Health Trust and Youth Music funded the Reconnect workshops that created the work.
