Remembering Carol Martys
Founder of Independent Arts
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Carol Martys, founder of Independent Arts, passed away in December 2025. Carol was a visionary, a passionate advocate for the arts, and a pioneer in using creativity to improve lives long before “creative health” was a recognised field.
Independent Arts was founded by Carol in 1987, rooted in her belief that creativity is not a luxury, but an essential part of wellbeing- something everyone deserves access to. As one of our earliest guiding principles stated, Independent Arts existed to provide “something to look forward to”, a phrase Carol felt, and always maintained, was every person’s right.
Carol’s journey toward founding Independent Arts began with her work in some of the most overlooked settings. She initiated a drama group at Parkhurst Prison alongside scriptwriter Ray Allen, using creativity as a tool for expression, rehabilitation and hope. Around the same time, her work attracted the attention of regional arts leaders, and Carol was invited to chair a committee linked to the early development of Solent Arts.
Shortly after, Carol was offered the role of Director of a new Island-based project funded by CSV (Community Service Volunteers), called Blow Your Own Trumpet. The project trained musicians, artists, dancers and performers to work in state and private residential care homes, bringing joy, stimulation and meaningful engagement to older people. Its impact was so significant that CSV extended the funding for a second year.
When Blow Your Own Trumpet came to an end, Independent Arts was already firmly taking shape. Having demonstrated the value of this work, Carol and the team successfully secured contracts with the Isle of Wight Health Authority, Social Services and private residential homes. Independent Arts formally became a registered charity in 1987, with Carol’s conviction and leadership at its heart.
From the beginning, Independent Arts was supported by an extraordinary group of trustees and champions, including Khalid Aziz (our first Chair), Hugh Harrison, Tim Neale (then Head of Radio Solent), Baron Ross of Newport MP, and Lord Mottistone as President. What began as a small operation working from Carol’s home steadily grew- moving through Quay Arts and Whitecroft Hospital, until Independent Arts was able to establish premises of its own, opened with the support of Sheila Hancock, another long-time supporter of Carol’s work.
As the organisation expanded, Carol oversaw the appointment of specialist music and art managers, ensuring the charity could continue to grow in quality, reach and professionalism. Although personal circumstances eventually led Carol to step down as Director, her influence never faded. With support from Anthony Minghella and funding from Red Nose Day, Independent Arts was able to build a strong team that carried her vision forward.
Carol was especially proud of the impact Independent Arts had on people whose lives had been shaped by disadvantage. She often spoke of former prison participants whose lives were transformed through creativity, including one man who, after a history of violent crime, rebuilt his life through the arts, later becoming a published poet and speaker. Stories like these embodied everything Carol believed creativity could achieve.
Even after spending years abroad and later returning to the UK, Carol remained deeply connected to Independent Arts. Carol once wrote that she felt “very proud that an idea I had has lasted for over a quarter of a century, but also very humble that a team of dedicated people made it happen.” That combination of pride, humility and belief in others defined her leadership.
Today, Independent Arts stands as an Island-based creative health charity supporting mental and physical wellbeing at every stage of life. That legacy exists because of Carol’s courage to begin, her belief in the power of creativity, and her unwavering commitment to social welfare.
We owe Carol Martys an enormous debt of gratitude. Her vision continues to shape everything we do, and her belief that everyone deserves “something to look forward to” lives on in every workshop, every participant, and every creative moment we share.
She will be deeply missed and always remembered by all at Independent Arts.
Carol Martys (right) with Paul Eddington, star of ‘The Good Life’ and ‘Yes Prime Minister’ visits HMP Albany Prison to chat with prisoners about his acting career as part of a programme to show there is a world beyond prison. The visit was organised and facilitated by Independent Arts. (1989)
Independent Arts is awarded £2700 by a community awards scheme, sponsored by Spar foodmarkets and Woman and Home magazine. The grant provides art classes for stroke survivors at St Mary’s Hospital Day Centre. Carol Martys (centre) travels up to the Savoy Hotel, London to receive the award from television personality, Judith Chalmers. (1990)
