Independent Arts
DONATE
DONATE

About sarah moore

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far sarah moore has created 28 blog entries.

Could You Help Shape the Future of Independent Arts?

2025-06-24T20:29:06+01:00

We’re looking for passionate and skilled individuals to join the Independent Arts Board of Trustees. As a pioneering creative health charity on the Isle of Wight, Independent Arts uses the power of creativity to improve health and wellbeing across our community. Our work supports people of all ages to live healthier, happier and more connected lives, and we’re now seeking three new trustees to help guide and grow our impact. Who We’re Looking For As part of our planned succession programme and following a recent skills review, we’re especially interested in hearing from people with professional experience in the following areas: Healthcare or Social Prescribing Information Security / Cybersecurity Young Trustee (aged 18–25 years) We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive board. If you need any adjustments to apply or to support your involvement as a trustee, we’d love to hear from you. Please note: due to the local focus of our work, trustees must live on the Isle of Wight. What’s Involved? Trustees are senior volunteers who support the strategic direction of the charity. The board meets four times a year at our Creative Hub in Newport (early evening), alongside some informal opportunities to get involved in events and activities. You’ll be helping to shape the future of Independent Arts, working alongside a friendly and committed team led day-to-day by our Chief Executive and staff. How to Apply If you’re interested, we’d love you to get in touch. We strongly recommend you: Read more on our Trustees page Download our Trustee Recruitment Pack for more details Request an informal chat by emailing: [email protected] To apply, please email: A cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience A CV, if available Names and contact details of two referees Email to: [email protected]: Trustee Application What Happens Next? Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal interview and given the chance to observe a trustee meeting and meet the team socially before appointment. All new trustees receive a full induction, including visits to workshops and the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s day-to-day work.

Could You Help Shape the Future of Independent Arts?2025-06-24T20:29:06+01:00

Finding Folk

2025-05-01T11:49:02+01:00

An Independent Arts Project delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group, Isle of Wight Finding Folk is an Independent Arts project delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group, Isle of Wight. Set up to run in four housing sites in West and East Cowes and Ryde, the project is aimed at giving residents the chance to spend a couple of hours with others in their housing community, sharing stories and conversation, and working alongside a professional artist from the Island in some fun, simple craft activities. The tales shared are based on old myths and superstitions, mostly from the Island’s own folklore traditions, but lots of fun has already been had swapping old superstitions and tales from residents own memories and lives both on and off the Island. Independent Arts, Kerry Tindall explained “It’s a great way to get a conversation going whether it’s about why we count Magpies or avoid the number 13, it’s amazing how many of us automatically follow superstitions, touching wood and so on, perhaps it’s a bit of a ‘just in case’ precaution!” SNG’s Community Investment and Partnerships Lead Toby Eaglen agreed “At SNG we’re clear that we want the people who live in our communities to thrive, and that’s why we have taken the decision to fund Independent Arts – to build resilient communities, combat isolation and help older people to make those vital connections. The tradition of folk stories being swapped and shared between people down the generations is a great way to get people talking and meet many of these objectives.” The project began in January this year and is due to run until February 2026.

Finding Folk2025-05-01T11:49:02+01:00

Wight Proms Festival 2025

2025-04-03T11:21:07+01:00

Giovanni Pernice, Fascinating Aida, Wynne Evans and Lee Mead to Headline the Wight Proms Festival 2025 The Wight Proms Festival has just announced its 2025 artiste line-up Tickets go on sale this Friday 4th April This year for the first time ever, all tickets will be sold exclusively through ‘The Price Is Wight’ The boutique open-air 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 Headliners announced: ◦ Strictly Come Dancing legend GIOVANNI PERNICE ◦ Britain’s greatest comedy trio, fresh off the back of their sell-out 40th anniversary tour FASCINATING AIDA ◦ Winner of Celebrity Masterchef and Mr Go-Compare himself WYNNE EVANS ◦ Wynne will be joined by Special Guest G4’s MIKE CHRISTIE, who is the founder of the Wight Proms Festival, and will be singing ‘Walk the Wight With You’ with full orchestra; the song he has written to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Walk the Wight this year ◦ Musical theatre legend LEE MEAD who won BBC1’s Any Dream Will Do, and has countless West End credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, Wicked, Chicago, We Will Rock You and Sister Act to name but a few ◦ Lee will be joined by leading lady KELLY MATHIESON as his Special Guest, who has starred in numerous West End shows including The Phantom of the Opera, Into the Woods and South Pacific ◦ Back by popular demand, an evening of country music with DOLLY PARTON, the ‘World’s best Dolly tribute’ and ‘Europe’s leading’ KENNY ROGERS, plus a new twist this year with the addition of Dolly Bingo and Line Dancing! 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 16th August alongside West End legend Lee Mead The Wight Proms Festival, sponsored by Red Funnel, was founded in 2018 by singer and 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. There are ‘Meet & Greet’ tickets available to have the chance to meet some of our headliners: Giovanni Pernice, Wynne Evans and Mike Christie, Lee Mead and Kelly Mathieson, and Fascinating Aida The festival is delighted to continue its relationship with 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. Last year over £10,000 was raised for the charity with the daily raffles during the festival This year’s Wight Proms Festival will take place on 12-17 August: Tue 12th – Event TBC (to be announced soon) Wed 13th – Country: ‘Isle of Country’ DOLLY PARTON and KENNY ROGERS tribute, plus Dolly Bingo and Line Dancing Thu 14th – Opera: ‘Isle of Opera Gala’ Fri 16th

Wight Proms Festival 20252025-04-03T11:21:07+01:00

Arts Lab Unveils ‘Save Our Future’ Mural on Skates Wall

2025-04-03T11:23:59+01:00

On 1st February, Independent Arts’ Youth Group, Arts Lab, proudly unveiled their latest project, the Save Our Future mural, now on display at Skates on Newport Quay. This striking artwork is a testament to the creativity, commitment, and environmental consciousness of the young artists. A Bold and Thoughtful Design The mural’s design is both graphic and evocative, using a deliberately limited colour palette to capture the many shades of the sea while enhancing its visual impact. The mural juxtaposes the ideal of a pristine, healthy ocean with a depiction of a polluted environment, highlighting the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine life. A key feature is the innovative wire fish sculptures—powerful symbols of the waste that plagues our oceans. Crafted during dedicated wirework sessions, these sculptures contrast sharply with the vibrant, healthy ocean scene, reinforcing the urgent need to protect our environment. Inspiration and Creative Process Named by the young artists themselves, Save Our Future represents their passion for environmental change. The project began with brainstorming sessions and mind maps, where the group chose to champion the cause of cleaner oceans. After exploring murals across Newport and voting on their mural’s form, they decided on a painting/sculpture hybrid. Their sketches were digitised, projected onto plywood for scaling, and developed into a cohesive colour scheme. The group also experimented with sculptures made from donated beach waste, inspired by the giant wire fish waste bin on Brighton Beach. Voices from the Community Evie Clarke, who runs the Arts Lab project, shared her enthusiasm: "We’ve had such a fantastic time making our mural, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received throughout. I’ve seen such a positive change in our brilliant young people during this project. It’s been wonderful to hear what they care about and to see them take responsibility for making a difference for all of our futures. They have shown great teamwork, creativity, and dedication! I am so proud to have been part of this project and to see the mural come to life. I’d also like to thank our amazing volunteer, Bella Cuoghi-Smith, who has been a fantastic support, a friendly face, and a listening ear to our group." Richard Quigley MP also praised the initiative, stating: "Well done to Independent Arts’ youth group Arts Lab on their fantastic new mural… Projects like this make such a difference and bring communities together." About Arts Lab and Future Projects. Arts Lab is a creative experimentation group for young people aged 11–16, exploring youth-led social action through art. In addition to their annual exhibition and community projects—including contributions to local events like the carnival—Arts Lab is now working towards their next exhibition in May 2025. Continuing the Save Our Future theme, this exhibition will address issues such as homelessness, wildlife preservation, endangered species, and challenges posed by social media and cyberbullying. Sessions run every Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Independent Arts’ Creative Hub, including during school holidays. Young people interested in joining can contact [email protected]. Independent

Arts Lab Unveils ‘Save Our Future’ Mural on Skates Wall2025-04-03T11:23:59+01:00

Our Spring What’s On Guide Is Here

2025-03-27T20:28:49+00:00

We're excited to announce that our new Spring What's On Guide is ready and waiting for you! Brimming with an inspiring lineup of creative sessions for all, this guide is your passport to a season of artistic wellbeing on the Isle of Wight. You can collect your copy at the Creative Hub or from various local spots across the Island. Since not everyone is online, we’d love your help in getting the word out: If you have a workplace, community space, or any venue where our guide can be displayed, please consider helping us share it. Interested in collecting a few copies from the Creative Hub and distributing them to places where they can be seen? Your support would be invaluable! If you’re keen to help or need more details, please get in touch with us. Together, we can make this spring a season of creativity and connection. Thank you for being a vital part of our community! *Edit 27/04/25 We’ve spotted a small error in our What’s On guide—please note that East Cowes SingAbout takes place on Thursdays from 2–4pm, and SingAbout Lake is on Fridays from 10:30am–12:20pm. Apologies for any confusion, and we look forward to welcoming you!

Our Spring What’s On Guide Is Here2025-03-27T20:28:49+00:00

Textiles Retrospective Exhibition: Celebrating a Tapestry of Community and Creativity

2025-02-12T13:16:25+00:00

Since 2017, Independent Arts has been dedicated to exploring the rich potential of textiles through a wide range of projects and programmes. Our latest exhibition, Textiles Retrospective, brings together years of creative collaboration, showcasing a vibrant body of work that reflects our commitment to participatory art and community building. A Journey Through Collaborative CreationTextiles have played a pivotal role in our artistic journey, allowing us to experiment with various mediums and techniques. The works on display include large-scale collaborative pieces—quilted banners, intricate weavings, and inventive experiments with screen printing, fabric dyeing, staining, and block printing. We’ve even incorporated sewing machine stitching into works on paper, inspired by recent map-making workshops run with home-educating families. This diverse approach highlights not only the versatility of textiles as a medium but also the powerful impact of shared creative endeavours. Art for All Ages and SpacesOne of the most inspiring aspects of our textiles journey is the inclusivity it fosters. The exhibition features creations made by participants ranging from young teens to those in their later years, underlining the universal appeal of creative expression. Beyond the walls of the Creative Hub, our large-scale textile works can also be found at Osborne House and in Island schools, reinforcing our belief that art has the power to connect communities across different generations and settings. Learning, Sharing, and Growing TogetherOver the past seven years, we have learned a great deal from our participants. Their willingness to bring their own specialist skills to our projects has enriched our collective experience and elevated our work to new heights. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants and freelance artists who have joined and led these projects on our behalf. Exhibition DetailsWe invite you to experience this celebration of creativity and community for yourself. The Textiles Retrospective exhibition is open and free to view at the Creative Hub in Newport until 14th March. Whether you’re an avid art lover or simply curious about the transformative power of collaborative art, we welcome you to join us in exploring these inspiring works. Independent Arts continues to believe in the transformative impact of participatory art. We look forward to welcoming you to the Creative Hub and sharing the story behind these remarkable textile creations.

Textiles Retrospective Exhibition: Celebrating a Tapestry of Community and Creativity2025-02-12T13:16:25+00:00

Discovering Landscapes

2025-01-30T09:23:54+00:00

Discovering Landscapes a new project from National Landscapes with Independent Arts - The Isle of Wight National Landscape is for everyone to visit, enjoy and take care of. The project Discovering Landscapes will open up routes for Isle of Wight residents to begin a journey of Nature Connection and develop a relationship with the landscape. The project will focus on those who have previously faced barriers in accessing the landscape. Independent Arts are delighted to have been invited by National Landscapes to join the project as one of three delivery partners and have devised Earth Star as their creative response to the aims set down by National Landscapes to increase nature connectedness for Island residents. Programmes Manager Kerry Tindall explains:  ‘Earth Star is offered as part of this exciting National Landscapes project to ten home educating families and fifteen home educated children on the Isle of Wight. Our programme opened in early January, and in the weeks running up to our first trip out into the landscape at Carisbrooke our group have been exploring wayfinding. The idea of wayfinding is so interesting both personally, literally and educationally, and has given us great opportunities to wrap geography and ethnology and human experience into our creative planning.  During these chilly, icy January weeks we have been looking at the life and work of 19C. Newport born, artic explorer Edgar Greenshield who spent many years living with the Inuit people of the artic and sub-artic regions.  These people crossed the great polar ice fields by studying the sastrugi (repeating patterns of sculpted ridges in the snow formed by prevailing winds). It has been a lot of fun learning together with our group about this process of navigation following directional winds, and comparing how we move through and experience our landscapes and surroundings today, when we have so many digital and gps aids to do the job for us! We’ve had some great table discussions, and the group have made their own way maps with some surprising and very personal way marks. It will be interesting to see how they begin to choose their own way marks from the areas of the landscape we will be visiting over the next six months. In these early workshops we have also been recreating sastrugi patterns using spray paints and folded papers with some really striking results!’ The project will run for seven months with Independent Arts, and there are plans for several visits out into the landscape with home educating families.

Discovering Landscapes2025-01-30T09:23:54+00:00

Time to Talk Day Drop-In Session

2025-01-28T11:13:53+00:00

Join us on Tuesday, 6th February, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at our Creative Hub in Newport for a relaxed and welcoming drop-in session as part of Time to Talk Day. Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee, take part in some creative activities, and connect with others in a friendly, supportive environment. Whether you’re popping in for a quick chat or staying to explore your creativity, everyone is welcome. Let’s take some time to talk—because every conversation matters. We’d love to see you there!

Time to Talk Day Drop-In Session2025-01-28T11:13:53+00:00

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

2025-02-12T13:17:39+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!2025-02-12T13:17:39+00:00

Double Your Impact with Independent Arts’ Big Give Christmas Challenge

2025-01-28T10:57:28+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 Challenge2025-01-28T10:57:28+00:00
Go to Top