Independent Arts

Independent Arts Through creativity, we help people live healthier, happier, more connected lives. Today, we offer arts practitioners to care homes.

Our pioneering creative health charity delivers quality arts programmes supporting mental & physical wellbeing, at every stage of life Island-wide💙
Registered charity297474 Independent Arts is an ‘arts for wellbeing’ charity based on the Isle of Wight. Started in 1987, our mission is to use the arts in all forms – and professional artists – to help improve lives across the Island. Over the years,

we’ve worked with hundreds of artists to provide a joyous experience to thousands of people who, for any reason (age, infirmity, loneliness, loss) seek the comfort and companionship that creativity and a cup of tea, can bring. We also deliver SingAbout and DanceMakers to groups across the Island from Freshwater to Bembridge. Since 2021 our Creative Hub in Newport provides a safe place to meet up, do something creative and see something amazing on display, that has been produced through the many and varied programmes on offer. Open six days a week, there is something for everyone. Whatever your age, you are never too young or too old to enjoy the fun that doing something creative can bring. Like most small charities, we employ wonderfully committed staff, are supported by dozens of volunteers, and engage many highly skilled freelance artists. We are funded by individual donations, community fundraising, programme grants (National Lottery, Arts Council etc) sales of workshops to care homes and ad hoc contracts. Charity No. 297474 • Company limited by guarantee No. 2147908

🖼️ Uncovering the mysteries of The Arnolfini Portrait 🖼️Over the past few weeks, several of our Creative Hub workshops h...
19/06/2026

🖼️ Uncovering the mysteries of The Arnolfini Portrait 🖼️

Over the past few weeks, several of our Creative Hub workshops have been exploring The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, which is currently on display in our window as part of the National Gallery's Art on Your Doorstep.

Together, we've been discussing the many possible meanings hidden within the painting and exploring the lives of the enigmatic couple at its centre. From shoe construction and fashion to fabrics, embossing techniques and the carefully painted fruit featured in the artwork, the painting has inspired a wide range of creative responses.

The results are now beautifully displayed in our windows alongside a reconstruction of the magnificent gown worn by Constanza Arnolfini, created from fabric, paper and card by our talented Matt Hitt.

Why not stop by and take a look for yourself? 💙

With thanks to the National Gallery, Isle of Wight Council, Newport Business Association, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, and Shaping Newport for bringing Art on Your Doorstep to Newport.

David Hockney: 9 July 1937 - 11 June 2026Inspired by the pool paintings of David Hockney, the Men’s Art Project created ...
19/06/2026

David Hockney: 9 July 1937 - 11 June 2026

Inspired by the pool paintings of David Hockney, the Men’s Art Project created this commemorative work that reimagines his famous work A Bigger Splash (1967).

Hockney was a British painter, stage designer and photographer. As an important contributor to the pop art movement of the 1960s, he is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

📖 Our Annual Report 2024/25 is now available.Take a look at the difference creativity is making across the Isle of Wight...
18/06/2026

📖 Our Annual Report 2024/25 is now available.

Take a look at the difference creativity is making across the Isle of Wight, from community workshops and singing groups to artists and musicians working in more than 55 care homes 💙

Thank you to everyone who has supported Independent Arts. Together, we're helping people live healthier, happier, more connected lives through creativity.

Read the full report here:
https://independentarts.org.uk/annual-report-2024-25/

🌱 Something is growing across Independent Arts... 🌱Over the summer, our workshops and community groups are coming togeth...
17/06/2026

🌱 Something is growing across Independent Arts... 🌱

Over the summer, our workshops and community groups are coming together as part of SEED, our contribution to Creative Island's CAN YOU HEAR US? project.

Working with Island potter Kirstie Hayler, participants have been creating ceramic seeds that represent themselves and the communities they are part of. From Creative Café and Chess Craft to Mens Art Project and beyond, each seed tells a story of creativity, friendship and belonging.

As the project develops, we'll be exploring textiles, painting, printing and stitching to create a collaborative summer meadow installation that celebrates the diverse communities that flourish through our charity.

Just like a wildflower meadow, every person brings something unique, and together we create something stronger, brighter and more connected.

We can't wait to share more as the project grows 🌱💙

✍️ Foundry Creative Writing A space to pause, reflect, and get words onto the page 💙Our Foundry Creative Writing worksho...
15/06/2026

✍️ Foundry Creative Writing

A space to pause, reflect, and get words onto the page 💙

Our Foundry Creative Writing workshop with Ben and Cody from Ventnor Exchange Spoken Word Collective is back this month, an open, relaxed session where you can explore ideas, try prompts, and write at your own pace. No experience needed, just a willingness to give it a go.

Part of Independent Arts’ Foundry programme, supporting creativity and wellbeing for adults on the Island.

No bookig need, just come along and take some time for yourself.

💜 The calming scent of lavender filled the room during a recent workshop at Cornelia Manor, led by returning practitione...
14/06/2026

💜 The calming scent of lavender filled the room during a recent workshop at Cornelia Manor, led by returning practitioner Liz Tate.

🪻 Residents explored fresh lavender through touch, scent and creativity, before painting delicate lavender sprigs using water brush pens.

Workshops like these offer a chance to try something creative and enjoy time together. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a lovely afternoon 💙

💙 A huge thank you to Brewer's Paint and Graphic LLC for supporting the refurbishment of the public artworks in Cockram...
12/06/2026

💙 A huge thank you to Brewer's Paint and Graphic LLC for supporting the refurbishment of the public artworks in Cockrams Yard, Newport.

Their funding for paint and varnish is helping us restore all ten boards across the summer, preserving these much-loved artworks for residents and visitors to enjoy.

We're currently working our way through each of the 10 pieces and look forward to reinstalling them once the refurbishment is complete.

We're grateful for Brewers' support of local charities and community projects, helping us care for an important part of Newport's local heritage.

🎬 BLINK is back!Can you tell a story in 90 seconds?Create a silent short film on your phone and send it to us via WhatsA...
10/06/2026

🎬 BLINK is back!

Can you tell a story in 90 seconds?

Create a silent short film on your phone and send it to us via WhatsApp 07732 206774. Your film can be funny, thoughtful, abstract, serious - whatever you want it to be.

Open to everyone. No fancy equipment needed. Just your imagination.

Check out the poster for all the details and how to enter 👇💙

Ventnor Fringe Festival

💙 Our Summer What's On Guide is here! 💙Including our workshops and exhibition schedules, our latest guide is full of opp...
08/06/2026

💙 Our Summer What's On Guide is here! 💙

Including our workshops and exhibition schedules, our latest guide is full of opportunities to support your wellbeing, try something new and be creative this summer.

You can pick up a copy from the Creative Hub in Newport, or keep an eye out for them in community venues across the Island.

Could you help us spread the word? If you're able to display some guides in your workplace, community space or local venue, or help us distribute them, we'd love to hear from you.
Drop us a message or get in touch with the team 💙

Address

48/49 High Street
Newport
PO301SE

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441983822437

Website

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