sarah moore, Author at Independent Arts

2024 Exhibition Celebrating Age and Creativity – Back by Popular Demand!

sarah moore2024-12-10T12:51:39+00:00

It’s never too late to embrace creativity or discover your voice. Independent Arts, a Newport-based charity for arts and wellbeing, is proud to host a vibrant new exhibition that celebrates the creative achievements of Isle of Wight care home residents. The exhibition showcases an inspiring collection of artwork, including collages, watercolours, printing, textiles, and mini sculptures. Residents from Island Care Homes created these pieces in collaboration with talented freelance artist practitioners. In addition to the visual art on display, the exhibition highlights other creative workshops taking place across the Island, such as energizing music and movement sessions. Independent Arts, said: “This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of creativity and connection. It’s incredible to see the joy and sense of achievement that these workshops bring to residents. The artwork on display reflects not just their artistic talent but also the enthusiasm and resilience they bring to every session. It’s a privilege to showcase their work and highlight the profound impact the arts can have on wellbeing.” Engaging in creative activities is especially meaningful for care home residents, many of whom live with physical or mental health conditions such as dementia. Research shows that artistic activities can enhance mental and physical wellbeing, with creative expression offering a powerful way to communicate, connect, and provide respite from anxiety. The exhibition is free to the public and runs until Friday, 24th January. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding the Christmas closure from 20th December to 3rd January). Visit us at Independent Arts, 48 High Street, Newport. For more information about our work, please visit www.independentarts.org.uk or drop by the Creative Hub.

2024 Exhibition Celebrating Age and Creativity – Back by Popular Demand!sarah moore2024-12-10T12:51:39+00:00

Double Your Impact with Independent Arts’ Big Give Christmas Challenge

sarah moore2024-12-02T13:00:43+00:00

Double Your Impact This Christmas: Support Independent Arts to Inspire Creativity, Connection, and Confidence Across Generations on the Isle of Wight Independent Arts, the Island-based creative health charity, is thrilled to announce its participation in The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2024, with an ambitious target to raise £4,000 in just one week! The campaign kicks off at 12 noon on Giving Tuesday, 3rd December, and provides a unique opportunity for supporters to double their impact. Thanks to the generosity of ShareGift, all donations made during the campaign will be matched pound for pound, doubling their value and making twice the difference. This year, Independent Arts is proud to highlight the intergenerational nature of its work, offering a range of workshops and creative programs for Islanders of all ages. Whether it's art, music, movement, or community projects, the charity’s sessions bring people together, building confidence, connection, and creativity across generations. Matt Hitt, Community Development Manager, said: “As a charity, our focus is on reducing social isolation and improving the wellbeing of Islanders of all ages. This year, we’re aiming to unlock £4,000 in match funding, raising an incredible £8,000 to support creative arts programs that bring people together, inspiring connection and joy. Every donation during the Christmas Challenge will help us reach more people across the Island, making a real difference in their lives.” A Mindful Moment Participant shared how transformative these programs can be: "I like learning and having the opportunity to try different activities, but also the social side. It's a reason to get up, get dressed and get myself out of the house. I hope the hub stays and that I can continue coming here, I'd definitely take steps back without it." Funds raised will sustain vital projects both at The Creative Hub and in the community, helping to combat loneliness and support vulnerable Islanders through regular arts sessions. These sessions are proven to improve mental health, offering a lifeline to people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone. The campaign runs for just seven days, from 12 noon on 3rd December to 12 noon on 10th December, and every donation counts. The charity has already secured £4,000 in pledges from ShareGift, but this funding can only be unlocked if donations are made during the campaign. How to Donate: To make your donation and double your impact, visit www.donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPTJmAAP during the campaign period. Help Them Spread the Word: If you’re unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the campaign with your friends, family, and networks. The more people they reach, the closer they get to unlocking vital match funding and supporting even more people on the Isle of Wight. Your support will help Independent Arts to continue transforming lives through creativity. Together, we can make a difference this Christmas. Double you donation

Double Your Impact with Independent Arts’ Big Give Christmas Challengesarah moore2024-12-02T13:00:43+00:00

Autumn What’s on Guide is out now

sarah moore2024-11-04T15:17:58+00:00

Our Autumn "What’s On" Guide is here, packed with creative activities, workshops, and events running throughout the season at Independent Arts! You can pick up a copy at our Creative Hub in Newport or find it at locations across the Isle of Wight. Drop by the Creative Hub to grab a copy of the Autumn guide, filled with activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in joining yourself, bringing friends, or finding something fun for the family, this guide has it all. We know some people may not have easy online access, so we’d love your help reaching them! If you know someone who might benefit from our sessions, please share a guide with them. If you can display a few guides at your workplace, community centre, or other local spaces, it would be a huge support in helping us reach as many people as possible with these creative opportunities. If you’d like to help distribute the "What’s On" Guide or need extra copies, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Your involvement makes a real impact in connecting the Island with enriching and accessible arts activities. A huge thank you to everyone who helps share our guide and promote the arts within our community. We’re looking forward to a fantastic autumn season full of creativity, connection, and inspiration. For more information or to get involved, please contact us.

Autumn What’s on Guide is out nowsarah moore2024-11-04T15:17:58+00:00

Autumn Retrospective Art Sale To Raise Funds

sarah moore2024-11-04T15:00:06+00:00

Island based arts for wellbeing charity Independent Arts last week opened their first retrospective art sale at their Creative Hub on Newport High Street with a private view. The exhibition showcases artwork of many mediums from a wide range of the charity’s workshops, all designed to reduce social isolation and improve participants wellbeing through the arts. The high quality and professionally finished artworks are outcomes from projects, workshops and collaborative works from many in the community, including the charities Mindful Moments drop in, youth groups and work from Creative Careers Week with local school children. Curated by Programs Manager Kerry Tindall and Principle Project Artist Jo Rigby the items on sale were selected to showcase outcomes from the previous four years of work at Independent Arts Creative Hub. On the exhibition, Kerry said; “Whilst all our exhibitions at the Creative Hub showcase our participants work, this is the first time we have put some of that work on sale to raise funds to keep running sessions such as these and we are really proud of the high-quality work available to purchase, all to support our work in the future” The Autumn Retrospective art sale is free to view at Independent Arts Creative Hub, 48/49 High Street, Newport, and is on show until Monday 25th November and all on show is priced to be affordable, prices starting from £15, up to £100 for professionally framed A3 pieces. All funds raised from the pieces sold will help to fund Independent Arts, who support over 500 island residents a week in their Creative Hub, the community, and in care homes, to keep changing lives through arts, supporting island residents who may be otherwise lonely or isolated through arts workshops, singing, movement and mindfulness, for all ages.

Autumn Retrospective Art Sale To Raise Fundssarah moore2024-11-04T15:00:06+00:00

Changes to Leadership of Independent Arts

sarah moore2024-09-10T10:50:24+01:00

Independent Arts, the arts for wellbeing charity on the Isle of Wight is undergoing a change in leadership at the end of September. Lisa Gagliani MBE, who has been the charity’s chief executive since late 2019, will be leaving to take on the same role at The Blue Lamp Trust. After a careful recruitment process, the trustees have appointed Rosanna Sloan to take over as chief executive. Rosanna (Rosie) has been visiting the charity to get to know the team and to see for herself some of the projects and activities they deliver, which range from SingAbout for older people all over the Island, to working in care homes to deliver workshops for wellbeing, through to youth work, mental health support and various creative sessions run at their Newport Creative Hub on the high street. The charity, which operates exclusively on the Isle of Wight, has a small team of dedicated staff, supplemented by a large team of professional artists and musicians, who are all paid to deliver the various projects to support more than 550 people every week who would be socially isolated otherwise. Lisa Gagliani MBE said, “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time, almost five years, at Independent Arts – the team, the volunteers and the arts practitioners are all exceptionally creative, wonderful and kind people. I hope to have made the charity a little more visible through working collaboratively with several island charities and by developing new projects, especially those aimed at younger people and intergenerational activities like chess on Saturdays. I wish Rosie and the team at Independent Arts all the best for the future.” Jacquie Heany, Chair of Trustees who led the recruitment of Lisa’s successor said, “Lisa has been a fantastic CEO, significantly raising the profile and extending the reach of Independent Arts during her 5-year tenure. She joined the charity just before the pandemic and successfully steered it though those challenging times. The Board are grateful for the tremendous work she has done and for her leadership in developing and managing a brilliant team.” “In appointing Rosie Sloan as our new CEO, the Board are confident that we have found an exceptional person to carry on the fantastic work of Independent Arts. Rosie’s warmth and enthusiasm were evident as soon as we met her, and she joins us with experience of leadership in both the charity and arts sectors. The Board are very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to develop the work of Independent Arts.” Rosanna Sloan said, "It's a privilege to join such an inspiring team and organisation. I'm looking forward to contributing to Independent Arts mission to change people's lives through the arts, to help them to lead happier, healthier lives. I can't wait to meet our volunteers, partners and participants over the coming months and carry on the incredible work Lisa has spearheaded in collaboration with the team." Independent Arts has enjoyed a busier than ever summer, with a stint at Ventnor Fringe with

Changes to Leadership of Independent Artssarah moore2024-09-10T10:50:24+01:00

Grab Our Summer “What’s On” Guide!

sarah moore2024-07-10T14:06:02+01:00

We're thrilled to announce the release of our "What's On" Guide for this summer at Independent Arts! Packed with information about our exciting activities and events, the guide is now available at the Creative Hub and various locations across the Isle of Wight. Pick Up a Guide We invite you to drop by the Creative Hub to pick up your copy of the "What's On" Guide. Whether you're looking for engaging activities for yourself, your family, or your friends, our guide is your go-to resource for all things creative this summer. Help Us Spread the Word We understand that not everyone has easy access to online resources, and we need your help to reach those who could benefit from our sessions. If you know someone who might be interested, please share a guide with them. Additionally, if you're able to display some of our guides at your workplace, community centre, or any other local venue, we'd greatly appreciate your support. Your efforts in spreading the word make a significant impact in connecting people with our creative offerings. Get in Touch If you're interested in helping us distribute the "What's On" Guide or need more copies for your premises, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Your involvement helps us reach more people and ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate in our wonderful activities. Thank You for Your Support Thank you for your continued support in promoting the arts within our community. Together, we can make this summer a memorable one filled with creativity and connection. For more information and to get involved, contact us.

Grab Our Summer “What’s On” Guide!sarah moore2024-07-10T14:06:02+01:00

Home Education

sarah moore2024-06-19T13:22:57+01:00

Discover our home education provision at Independent Arts! Join us for a 6-week introductory course focusing on basic art skills and theory, all in a fun, engaging, and social environment. Designed for ages 8 to 14, these workshops will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, starting on June 11th. Each session lasts 90 minutes. Secure your spot for all 6 weeks with an advance payment of £120 per person (£20 per week) though we may be able to fit you in part war through the course, please get in contact to enquirer. Express your interest by filling out the form here, and we'll reach out to you with booking and payment details soon! For any queries, feel free to reach out to Ralph at [email protected]. Join in: Please get in touch to find out more

Home Educationsarah moore2024-06-19T13:22:57+01:00

Sweet Charity

sarah moore2024-08-19T10:39:10+01:00

The Wight Strollers are back at Medina Theatre this July, and ready to transport you back to 1960s New York with the tale of Charity Hope Valentine... Sweet Charity is a funny, feel-good musical, packed with well-known songs like ‘Big Spender’, ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ and ‘Rhythm Of Life’. With the team that brought you Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert at the helm, a live 9-piece band, colourful costumes and striking set, and an exceptional cast, Sweet Charity promises to be uplifting and unforgettable. The show runs from July 12th – 14th, tickets are £18 for adults, £14 for Under-16s, and there is an excellent group rate of £14 per ticket for groups of 10+ people. Tickets are available from www.medinatheatre.co.uk, by phoning 01983 823884, or in person from Medina’s 1Leisure Reception or the Medina Theatre Box Office. Best of all, the proceeds are going to Island charities and good causes, and for this show the Strollers are delighted to announce that one of the beneficiaries will be Independent Arts! The Wight Strollers are renowned for their pantomimes, musicals, carnival appearances and charity donations, having given away £200,000 – including fourteen Public Access Defibrillators – over the last 44 years. So gather your friends and families, and help raise money for Island charities with Sweet Charity!

Sweet Charitysarah moore2024-08-19T10:39:10+01:00

Exploring the Cosmos: Wavelength Exhibition Showcases Student Artwork at Creative Hub

sarah moore2024-05-22T11:19:57+01:00

We are excited to announce the launch of the Wavelength Exhibition at the Creative Hub, showcasing the incredible artwork created by talented students from the Island Learning Centre and St Helens Primary School on the Isle of Wight. This project, which has been running since September 2022, explores the intersection of art, creativity, and science through a series of engaging workshops. Both schools chose space and the cosmos as their science topics. The Island Learning Centre further integrated this theme into their science curriculum by linking their study of the visible light spectrum to the cosmic dawn event and the journey of light through space. The workshops employed a variety of art forms and mediums, enriching the learning experience, particularly for students who find traditional methods challenging. This approach not only fostered creativity but also deepened their understanding of complex scientific concepts. The Wavelength Exhibition is free to view and will be open at the Creative Hub until June 14th. We invite everyone to visit and witness the stunning pieces created by these young artists. Exhibition Details: Location: Independent Arts, 48 High Street, Newport Opening Hours: 10am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Swire Charitable Trust for their generous support in funding this project. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the blend of art and science through the eyes of our island's youth!

Exploring the Cosmos: Wavelength Exhibition Showcases Student Artwork at Creative Hubsarah moore2024-05-22T11:19:57+01:00

Independent Arts pleased to be the charity partner of Wight Proms again

sarah moore2024-05-13T14:44:06+01:00

Independent Arts are pleased to be the charity partner of Wight Proms again for 2024 The Wight Proms Festival has just announced its 2024 artiste line-up. The festival celebrates comedy, opera, drag, country music, sport, musical theatre, dance and classical proms, and takes place annually in August at Northwood House in Cowes This year sees a new logo for the festival and a new site layout Headliners announced include: ◦ Award-winning actress MIRIAM MARGOLYES OBE ◦ Island favourites PLASTIC MERMAIDS who are performing with a live orchestra their only gig on the Isle of Wight this year ◦ Cricket legends AGGERS & TUFFERS AKA JONATHAN AGNEW & PHIL TUFNELL ◦ Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK DANNY BEARD & fellow RuPaul star SCARLETT HARLETT, hosted by TANYA HYDE ◦ ANTHEMS IBIZA ORCHESTRA featuring 1990s tunes from the likes of Fat Boy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Daft Punk, Ian Van Dahl, Prodigy and many more ◦ Musical Theatre Legends JOHN OWEN JONES, famous for playing the roles of Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera) and Jean Valjean (Les Mis) in both the West End and Broadway, JENNA LEE-JAMES who has just played the role of Elsa in Disney’s Frozen on the West End, and JOHN PARTRIDGE who has starred in many shows on the West End including Cats, Grease, Starlight Express, Cabaret, La Cage Aux Folles to name but a few ◦ Soprano FARYL SMITH who shot to fame as a 12-year-old on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008, is now a graduate of the Opera Course at the Guildhall School in London ◦ Family favourite PETER & THE WOLF with wind quintet ◦ The ‘World’s best Dolly tribute’ as endorsed by Dolly herself, also featuring Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Glen Campbell and Patsy Cline tributes There will also be Musical Theatre Workshops for children ages 7-18 where they get to perform on the Main Stage at the ‘Wight at the Musicals’ show on Saturday 10th August The Wight Proms Festival, sponsored by Red Funnel, was founded in 2018 by Cowes resident Mike Christie, who is also know for being in the multi-platinum selling vocal harmony group G4, who shot to fame on The X Factor back in 2004. This year marks G4’s 20th Anniversary with two island performances at the Medina Theatre in June and Newport Minster in November amongst their mega 110 tour dates. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 10th May 2024: www.wightproms.co.uk There are ‘Meet & Greet’ tickets available to have the chance to meet some of our headliners When buying tickets, you can donate to the Wight Proms Festival’s associated island charity ‘Independent Arts’ who use the arts to improve well-being, quality of life and to reduce social isolation on the Isle of Wight, since 1987 The Wight Proms Festival will take place on 9-18 August 2024 Fri 9th – Dance: ANTHEMS IBIZA ORCHESTRA Sat 10th – Wight at the Musicals, with stars of the West End and Broadway: ◦

Independent Arts pleased to be the charity partner of Wight Proms againsarah moore2024-05-13T14:44:06+01:00

About sarah moore

2024 Exhibition Celebrating Age and Creativity – Back by Popular Demand!

Double Your Impact with Independent Arts’ Big Give Christmas Challenge

Autumn What’s on Guide is out now

Autumn Retrospective Art Sale To Raise Funds

Changes to Leadership of Independent Arts

Grab Our Summer “What’s On” Guide!

Home Education

Sweet Charity

Exploring the Cosmos: Wavelength Exhibition Showcases Student Artwork at Creative Hub

Independent Arts pleased to be the charity partner of Wight Proms again

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