Independent Arts celebrates 35 years of support for Isle of Wight

Our charity is 35 years old this year – and it fills us with pride. We are proud to support the most vulnerable, the loneliest and the most isolated, with uplifting and unimaginably high-quality creative experiences. We are hugely proud of the difference we make to the lives of those we serve. We see and hear the impact that being part of something special brings.

Every week we meet about 500 people on the Isle of Wight, this beautiful island which also has so many social challenges. People who are troubled, people who are neglected, people who aren’t seen or heard. We are blessed with a small team of dedicated staff, plus an incredible army of talented professional artists and several dozen patient, kind, and thoughtful volunteers.

Ours is the celebration of the power of the 3Cs: Creativity, Companionship, and a hot Cuppa always on hand. Together this brings a certain magic, a certain release of anxiety and a certain comfort – which makes life better for all.

Throughout the coming year we’ll be celebrating the achievements of all our groups, and we hope that you will join us at one of more of our special 35-year themed events. There will be laughter, there will be song and there will certainly be cake!

Naturally, we have also set ourselves and our supporters a 35-year themed challenge too – and this is to raise £35,000 towards sustaining our small charity at this time of unprecedented uncertainty. Look out for events, limited edition (35 of course!) artworks, fundraising opportunities and even a gala dinner, in the weeks and months to come – and do support our endeavours if you possibly can.

October 5th – Happy 35th Birthday: SingAbout Together 2pm at Newport Minster – open to all past and present SingAbout participants from all over the Isle of Wight.
October 19th – The Arts Practitioners 35th Celebration – by invitation only, this is our big Thank You to our amazing arts practitioners, held at The Creative hub
June 30th – Grand Gala Dinner: The Coral Ball at The Island Riding Centre – a spectacular evening for local businesses and supporters of Independent Arts – tickets available from Ralph