Young people tackle difficult issues in our new exhibition

Our latest exhibition at our Creative Hub in Newport showcases the work of young people coming to terms with some of the difficult issues facing them on a post-pandemic Isle of Wight.

Sleepscapes and Seascapes is the result of weekly workshops with professional artists Trudie Wilson, Lou Elliot, Kirstie Hayler, Sydney Cardew and Jessica Ong, which took place during 2021 and 2022.

The participants, aged 13 and upwards, were given opportunities to try a range of creative mediums with the aim of learning new creative skills and finding new means for self-expression and self-exploration, resulting in a striking exhibition at the Independent Art’s Creative Hub on Newport High Street.

“Project workshops were designed to tackle some of the difficulties facing young people following their experiences during the pandemic, and to support them to achieve better mental health and wellbeing overall,” explains programme manager Kerry Tindall.

Independent Arts continues to expand its work supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people on the Isle of Wight, and at the beginning of December exceeded its online fundraising target of £6,000 through the Big Give campaign, to extend its youth-led public art project, Supporting Young Minds.

Independent Arts, on behalf of the Island Collection, is already running two successful Supporting Young Minds projects funded by Artswork – one in Sandown and Lake (supported by Community Action Isle of Wight), one in Newport. With the additional money raised through the Big Give campaign, it plans to run a third one in Ventnor in the new year, working with Ventnor Exchange and Brave Island.

One current participant, Lily, explains the value of the project: “I am enjoying how Independent Arts have allowed me to express myself more, and have helped build my confidence,” she says.

Sleepscapes and Seascapes continues at Independent Arts until 31 January. The Reconnect workshops that created the work were funded by IOW NHS, IOW Council, Peoples Health Trust and Youth Music.