Independent Arts runs around 25 creative workshops each week, supporting the wellbeing of people of all ages.

More than half take place at our Creative Hub in Newport High Street, others in various community settings around the Island.

Creative Hub weekly workshops

Workshops for young people & families

Workshops for over 25s

Workshops for over 50s

Even if you’re not taking part in one of our weekly art, mindfulness or singing sessions, it’s always worth popping into our Creative Hub to see the wonderful and diverse exhibitions of participants’ work – and look out for our one-off events and workshops; there could be something just right for you, or someone you know.

Exhibitions

  • 4th October - 26th November. An exciting and diverse exhibition of work created in residential settings.

  • Creative Health charity Independent Arts is celebrating age this Autumn with a special mixed media art exhibition created by residents from 13 care homes across the Island during the past year. On display are works inspired by Monet’s ‘Waterlilies’, Matisse, painted seascapes, a sensory garden, along with modern sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and mosaics. The unique exhibition was curated by the charity’s team Nicola Ward, Kerry Tindall and Jo Rigby to showcase the amazing talent of both residents and the dedication of professional arts practitioners who supported them, Kirstie Hayler, Lou Elliott, Miranda Amapola and Davina Smith. “Last time we displayed art created by care home residents everyone was hugely inspired and this time our elders have done it again!” says chief executive Lisa Gagliani. “It’s simply amazing how taking part in some form of creative activity can unlock hidden talent - along with happy memories. We can all learn something from this this poignant reflection of creative ageing.” Independent Arts delivers music and crafts to more than 30 care homes across the Isle of Wight. Called ‘Workshops for Wellbeing’ these paid-for workshops are more than simply entertaining activities for elderly residents, with a focus on wellbeing and reminiscence of happy memories. In the past year alone 10,600 care home residents enjoyed one or more activities delivered by Independent Arts through their 20 highly skilled and vetted professional arts practitioners. The Island-only charity also offers bespoke one to one art workshops to residents who are elderly, have dementia or to adults with learning difficulties. Anyone can visit the Exhibition, which is open Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm and on Saturdays 12-2pm at Independent Arts Creative Hub, 48/49 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SE. Entrance is free, but donations are very much appreciated by cash, debit card or monthly standing order. For more information about the services Independent Arts provides to Island care homes, visit www.independentarts.org.uk/join-in/for-carehomes/

Events

  • Join us at our creative hub in Newport to produce your own festive felt decorations. This workshop is designed for beginners. Only running stitch is required to participate. Materials included, hot drinks and mince pies provided! Joining this workshop will help support our work to improve the lives of socially isolated residents here on the Isle of Wight. Get crafting and help us make a difference! Tickets can be purchased here. 10 places available.

  • Join us Saturday 6th May 11am-6pm

  • Local filmmaker and author Paul Windridge hosts another of his Short Film Nights at Independent Arts, showcasing short films from around the world! Featuring films by independent filmmakers of all descriptions, some 2 minutes long some 20, each introduced by Paul. Doors from 1915, showings begin at 19.45. Tickets are on a pay-what-you-want basis, but a suggested donation of £5 per person, all of which will be donated to Independent Arts to help us keep changing lives through arts. Donations can be made at the event itself. Limited non-reserved seating, so booking in advance is advised. All films shown will be the equivalent of PG, but may contain adult humour and themes. 14+ only. BOYB for 18+, limited to a "reasonable amount" per person. The venue reserves right to refuse admission at their discretion. Book by e-mailing [email protected] or calling on 01983 822437

  • Lake Coffee House Fundraising Quiz: 5th August – Lake Coffee House kindly hosting a Saturday evening quiz to raise funds for Independent Arts. Please contact the venue directly for details and to book a team. 01983 211151

  • Independent Arts are delighted to once again be the associated charity of Wight Proms festival, taking place at Northwood House. We will be on site every day with merchandise, creative activities, and raffles. For more information and tickets please visit www.wightproms.co.uk 

  • Ventnor Fringe: 21st – 30th July: Art in the park! – Join Independent Arts in the park at Ventnor Fringe to sketch and draw our brand new installation from all angles! Discover the hidden themes of the installation, explore the work, and sketch-what-you-see to add to our live exhibition throughout the festival. All materials provided for donation to Independent Arts. Suitable for all ages from 4 – 104. For more info visit ventnor fringe website.

  • 9th August - 30th September Finding the art in science with island schools.

  • July 5th - August 6th Join us for an interactive and immersive experience as we share our explorations of mindfulness and creativity. This multimedia exhibition will share works created through a diverse range of processes, from sculpture to film.

  • Join us Saturday 6th May 11am-6pm

  • Place-changing artwork created and directed by young people

  • CPD for Isle of Wight mental health workers, youth professionals, teachers and school-based support workers

  • Friday 3rd February. Screenings at 7.30pm, 8pm and 8.30pm. Book your tickets now to see this thought-provoking film from the Sandown and Lake Youth Forum

  • A day exploring Ryde through creativity and public art

  • Starts Wednesday 18th January Newport's heritage revealed through cyanotypes

  • Friday 10th February Doors open 7.15pm

  • Learn about evidence-based practice that promotes good mental health and wellbeing for children and young people.

  • Independent Arts will once again be taking part in #TheBigGive this year! A weeklong fundraising challenge, beginning on Tuesday 29th November, during which everything you donate will be matched and doubled!

  • Learn new skills and create something beautiful for Christmas. Friday 25th November, 3.30pm-5pm at our Creative Hub in Newport. £30 per person.

  • Learn new skills and create something beautiful for Christmas. Friday 18th November, 3.30pm-5pm at our Creative Hub in Newport. £30 per person.

  • Learn new skills and create something beautiful for Christmas. Friday 11th November, 3.30pm-5pm at our Creative Hub in Newport. £30 per person.

  • Take some time for yourself with this introductory course to pencil drawing. Tuesdays 8th November -13th December, 6-7.30pm at our Creative Hub in Newport. £110 for six weeks.

  • A fun day of creativity and activism for all ages!

  •  This is our big thank you to our amazing arts practitioners, at The Creative Hub

  • Bringing our SingAbout groups together for an afternoon of song and joy

  • Join us at our Creative Hub this month for two free Christmas workshops on Thursday 22 (1.30-3pm) and Friday 30 September (7-8.30pm).

  • 30th November - 14th January | FREE

  • 3rd & 4th September | FREE

  • 3rd October – 26th November | FREE

  • 3rd August – 1st October | FREE

  • 16th – 21st August | £35

  • Saturday 13th August | FREE

  • 22 June – 31 July | FREE

  • 22nd – 31st July | FREE

What’s on calendar

09Dec

Chess Craft

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Newport Creative Hub
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