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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

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

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

Autumn What’s on Guide is out now

2024-11-04T15:17:58+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 now2024-11-04T15:17:58+00:00

Autumn Retrospective Art Sale To Raise Funds

2024-11-04T15:00:06+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 Funds2024-11-04T15:00:06+00:00

Changes to Leadership of Independent Arts

2024-09-10T10:50:24+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 Arts2024-09-10T10:50:24+01:00

Grab Our Summer “What’s On” Guide!

2024-07-10T14:06:02+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!2024-07-10T14:06:02+01:00
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