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
4th October - 26th November. An exciting and diverse exhibition of work created in residential settings.
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 team Joanne Rigby, Kerry Tindall and Evie Clarke and volunteer artist Melissa Penn, the exhibition has been lovingly created from a mixture of mediums. ‘Infinite Skies’ will be on show until Friday 23rd February. Entry is free, and you're invited to experience the exhibition's magic at Independent Arts, The Creative Hub, 48 High Street, Newport, from Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 4:30 pm. Donations, whatever you can spare, helps the charity to do more to support vulnerable residents through arts based activities.
A new exhibition and incredible window displays are about to emerge at Independent Arts Creative Hub at 48 High Street, Newport. The arts for wellbeing charity are well known for their creative displays at the former retail unit, which showcase the outcomes of their projects for the public to see. Conveniently placed on the high street, many passers-by comment on how the windows cheer them up daily. The impact for those who help to make the art works is even greater. Some of the most vulnerable in our community rely on the various creative sessions delivered at the Creative Hub, to socialise, to try something new and to get support for a range of issues. “Themes of growth and regeneration are central to our work in the field of wellbeing, and our belief in promoting the value of self-care throughout the year. Spring can be time for optimism, hope and rebirth, as the natural world around us bursts with new life.” Says Kerry Tindall, Head of Arts at the charity. Participants have explored these themes and ideas through the mediums of painting, collage, sculpture and weaving, creating some beautiful contributions to this exhibition. Creative staff, volunteers and year 6 pupils from Barton Primary School in Newport have also contributed creative responses to celebrate the season of Spring. Participants involved in making the displays include older people through Monday’s Creative Café, adults attending Wellbeing Café on Thursdays, children and adults who attend Tuesdays intergenerational Make and Create sessions, plus pupils from Barton Primary School. The exhibition has been supported and curated with the help of artist volunteer - Melissa Penn, Creative Assistant, Evie Clarke and Principal Projects Artist, Joanne Rigby. This Easter school holidays, Independent Arts are able to offer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funded places for young people aged 11-16 years, who are eligible for free school meals. The 4-hour sessions are free and will involve a range of exciting creative activities linked to nature and include a healthy lunch and snacks. Places are limited and filling fast, so if you’d like to book a place on from April 2nd to 12th do call 01983 822437 or email [email protected] After school activities aimed at secondary school pupils/college students who’d welcome support for their mental health and wellbeing whilst learning new skills also have places available on Thursdays – with a wide range of artists leading the sessions. Called ArtsLab, enquiries again to [email protected].
Events
Double Your Impact This Christmas: Support Independent Arts to Inspire Creativity, Connection, and Confidence Across Generations on the Isle of Wight Independent Arts, the Island-based creative health charity, is thrilled to announce its participation in The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2024, with an ambitious target to raise £4,000 in just one week! The campaign kicks off at 12 noon on Giving Tuesday, 3rd December, and provides a unique opportunity for supporters to double their impact. Thanks to the generosity of ShareGift, all donations made during the campaign will be matched pound for pound, doubling their value and making twice the difference. This year, Independent Arts is proud to highlight the intergenerational nature of its work, offering a range of workshops and creative programs for Islanders of all ages. Whether it's art, music, movement, or community projects, the charity’s sessions bring people together, building confidence, connection, and creativity across generations. Matt Hitt, Community Development Manager, said: “As a charity, our focus is on reducing social isolation and improving the wellbeing of Islanders of all ages. This year, we’re aiming to unlock £4,000 in match funding, raising an incredible £8,000 to support creative arts programs that bring people together, inspiring connection and joy. Every donation during the Christmas Challenge will help us reach more people across the Island, making a real difference in their lives.” A Mindful Moment Participant shared how transformative these programs can be: "I like learning and having the opportunity to try different activities, but also the social side. It's a reason to get up, get dressed and get myself out of the house. I hope the hub stays and that I can continue coming here, I'd definitely take steps back without it." Funds raised will sustain vital projects both at The Creative Hub and in the community, helping to combat loneliness and support vulnerable Islanders through regular arts sessions. These sessions are proven to improve mental health, offering a lifeline to people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone. The campaign runs for just seven days, from 12 noon on 3rd December to 12 noon on 10th December, and every donation counts. The charity has already secured £4,000 in pledges from ShareGift, but this funding can only be unlocked if donations are made during the campaign. How to Donate: To make your donation and double your impact, visit www.donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002TPTJmAAP during the campaign period. Help Them Spread the Word: If you’re unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing the campaign with your friends, family, and networks. The more people they reach, the closer they get to unlocking vital match funding and supporting even more people on the Isle of Wight. Your support will help Independent Arts to continue transforming lives through creativity. Together, we can make a difference this Christmas. Double you donation
