Ventnor Exchange has unveiled a new nomadic venue for the Isle of Wight, following £225,000 award from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme. The funding will bring to fruition Ventnor Exchange’s much dreamt about ambition to commission a big top tent as a flexible, nomadic venue for the Isle of Wight. The awards from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme will go towards building works and the purchase of equipment and other assets to improve access, seize on technological opportunities and reduce environmental impact. The funds will enable the organisation to commission the construction of a bespoke Big Top tent that will provide the Island with a new multi purpose, fully equipped mid-scale venue. able to travel between different towns and villages, festivals and fetes, to host world class performances. The Capital Investment Programme supports the Arts Council’s mission to ensure communities across the country have the infrastructure where creativity for everyone can thrive. 
“We want to re-imagine what a theatre or arts centre can be. This will be a new town hall for the whole of the Isle of Wight, ensuring every community can have access to an amazing facility. “Working with local residents from the outset, together we’ll decide what this new venue is called, how it’s used and where it visits. Local ownership of this key piece of infrastructure will also help secure the long term future of Ventnor Fringe”
Megan Stisted, Creative Projects Manager at Ventnor Exchange added:
“We’re incredibly excited about the opportunities this will create for our Brave Island programme, which supports young people on the Isle of Wight with new training, placements and work opportunities. “From circus skills to gig nights, new on-stage and backstage roles will be created, and we will have a phenomenal new space based right here on the Island to train young people with.”
“This infrastructure investment will help a whole range of different cultural organisations across England to flourish, increasing opportunities for people to enjoy creatively excellent cultural events close to where they live. “It’s particularly important that we’re making this happen in communities where cultural investment has historically been low”.
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England, adds:
“We are thrilled to be investing over £2.7 million in ten organisations throughout the South West. Through our Capital Investment Programme, we’re helping the cultural sector upgrade its infrastructure and seize new opportunities. “It’s not just bricks and mortar – with better buildings comes improved accessibility, new technology and a reduced environmental footprint. Whether it’s a portable big top on the Isle of Wight, a carnival centre in Bridgwater, or affordable art studios in Gosport – we’re unlocking creative potential all over the region. “Post-pandemic, this public funding matters more than ever to staff, volunteers and visitors. “We can’t wait to see plans take shape.”
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Brilliant news for the Ventnor Exchange. They offer so much good for the community of Ventnor.
Oh well done you lot ! You’ve come a long way since you began. Smashing news…but also please remember those that helped you before..such as eds tents..ect … wishing you all the very best of luck in the future !!! … “bless” ..
Fantastic news. Well done
It’ll keep the rain off the dealers…..