Independent Arts is an Isle of Wight charity, established in 1987, using the arts to improve wellbeing, quality of life and to reduce social isolation. We believe that art is for all stages of life and we deliver vital services across all ages, across the Island, mindful of the range of needs:
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Often older people on the Isle of Wight are amongst the most vulnerable, including those in care homes and those on the fringes of social care
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A higher than average number of children on the Island live in poverty (34%)
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Mental health services are stretched, which can affect people of any age
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Arts and wellbeing are interlinked and we focus on bringing arts to those who might not otherwise be able to benefit from them
News
‘Infinite Skies’ a beautiful homage to brighten your day and lift your mood
Embark on a visual journey with the latest exhibition, a stunning multi-media collection crafted by participants during 2023 workshops at Independent Arts Creative Hub. Drawing inspiration from Constable’s profound fascination with the ever-changing skies, this exhibition captures the diverse moods and poetry of the celestial canvas.
Independent Arts is a small island-based creative health charity. From their Creative Hub on Newport High Street, the charity offers a wide range of projects aimed at supporting those with complex vulnerabilities to benefit from arts based activities and companionship through mutual creativity.
During 2023, the charity helped to facilitate the visit of John Constable’s ‘The Cornfield’ (1826) original painting to Newport, where it was displayed for 6 days by The National Gallery at Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council’s building at 64 High Street. More than 2,500 residents saw the iconic painting during the week in May and Independent Arts were part of the official community engagement process that followed.
The visit certainly inspired a lot of creativity and as a result Independent Arts have curated Infinite Skies to showcase the response and has drawn influences of other artists too, such as Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project (2003) exhibited at the Tate’s Turbine Hall. Art work and poetry is displayed showcasing creativity thriving from young and old alike on the Isle of Wight.
Regular participants from Creative Café, Mindful Moments and Sandown Art Club have their artwork on display.
Supported by professional artists Trudie Wilson, Lou Elliot and the charity’s talented in-house
We run weekly workshops across the Island
