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.
Download our latest What’s on Guide for our weekly community based programmes here.
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
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.
Since 2017, Independent Arts has been dedicated to exploring the rich potential of textiles through a wide range of projects and programmes. Our latest exhibition, Textiles Retrospective, brings together years of creative collaboration, showcasing a vibrant body of work that reflects our commitment to participatory art and community building. A Journey Through Collaborative CreationTextiles have played a pivotal role in our artistic journey, allowing us to experiment with various mediums and techniques. The works on display include large-scale collaborative pieces—quilted banners, intricate weavings, and inventive experiments with screen printing, fabric dyeing, staining, and block printing. We’ve even incorporated sewing machine stitching into works on paper, inspired by recent map-making workshops run with home-educating families. This diverse approach highlights not only the versatility of textiles as a medium but also the powerful impact of shared creative endeavours. Art for All Ages and SpacesOne of the most inspiring aspects of our textiles journey is the inclusivity it fosters. The exhibition features creations made by participants ranging from young teens to those in their later years, underlining the universal appeal of creative expression. Beyond the walls of the Creative Hub, our large-scale textile works can also be found at Osborne House and in Island schools, reinforcing our belief that art has the power to connect communities across different generations and settings. Learning, Sharing, and Growing TogetherOver the past seven years, we have learned a great deal from our participants. Their willingness to bring their own specialist skills to our projects has enriched our collective experience and elevated our work to new heights. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants and freelance artists who have joined and led these projects on our behalf. Exhibition DetailsWe invite you to experience this celebration of creativity and community for yourself. The Textiles Retrospective exhibition is open and free to view at the Creative Hub in Newport until 14th March. Whether you’re an avid art lover or simply curious about the transformative power of collaborative art, we welcome you to join us in exploring these inspiring works. Independent Arts continues to believe in the transformative impact of participatory art. We look forward to welcoming you to the Creative Hub and sharing the story behind these remarkable textile creations.
Events
Join us on Tuesday, 6th February, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at our Creative Hub in Newport for a relaxed and welcoming drop-in session as part of Time to Talk Day. Enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee, take part in some creative activities, and connect with others in a friendly, supportive environment. Whether you’re popping in for a quick chat or staying to explore your creativity, everyone is welcome. Let’s take some time to talk—because every conversation matters. We’d love to see you there!