News & Opportunities

Members
News
Southampton Away Day outside GHT June 2023

Member Impact Survey 2026

Help us demonstrate the value of investing in Island creatives! Deadline to complete 2026 survey: Sat 14 Nov.

Members only
News

Meet the Six Recipients of the IW Creative Network Seed Fund 2026

IWCN seed Fund 2026 supports new ideas, creative experimentation and the development of artistic practice for six Island-Creatives.

News

IW Creative Network: Pre-Christmas Networking Gathering

Join us for our final get-together of 2026 on 10th Dec 6-8pm at GRAFT Studios, Sandown!

News

Meet The Team – Georgia Newman

Opportunity

NEW FOR IW CREATIVE NETWORK MEMBERS: PEER SUPPORT SESSIONS

Join our new Peer Support Sessions for IW Creatives. Next session: Thursday 5th Nov 2026 at Building 41, Cowes!

Members
Opportunity

DIY Video Production Training Session - Part 2

Following our first DIY Video Production session, Katsi is back for Part 2 – this time focusing on video editing on Thu 12 Nov 2026. Free!

Members only
Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 3 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions, 2026 - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Now open: Round 3 of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members. Deadline to apply: Sunday 4 October 2026.

Members only
Members
Opportunity
Julian Winslow

APPLY NOW: Photo Shoots for Creatives

Members can apply for this special opportunity to help develop your creative practice! Deadline to apply Sunday 11 October 2026.

Members only
Members
News

September Group Crit Session 2026

Critical group sessions for creatives, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Monday 28 September 2026: Fine art photographer Zoë Barker

Members only
Members
Opportunity

Applications Now Open: IW Creative Network Seed Fund 2026

IW Creatives APPLY NOW for one of six £450 Seed Funds to support your practice. Deadline: Sunday 27 September 2026

Members only
News

Scratch Night returns to Ventnor Fringe to champion new Island performance

Scratch Night returns this summer as part of Ventnor Fringe on Sunday 26th July 2026!

News

Connecting IW Artists with Visual Arts South West

On 8th July 2026, IW Creative Network was delighted to welcome the Co-Directors of Visual Arts South West for their regional visit to the IW.

News

Rebel Business School – Isle of Wight Report 2026

At the beginning of 2026, we invited creative freelancers, makers, artists, performers and early-stage founders, to a free programme of out-of-the box training, with Rebel Business School.

Opportunity
Solent-LEP-event-NETWORKING

Visual Arts South West Regional Visit & Networking Event

An informal evening of conversation, insight and networking at Quay Arts on 8th July for artists, makers, curators & producers.

Benefits

Networking Events & Away Days - 2026/2027

Members
News

July Group Crit Session 2026

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance art, animation, moving image, sound, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 20 July 2026: artist Lisa Heath

Members only
Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 2 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions, 2026 - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Now open: Round 2 of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members. Deadline to apply: Sunday 19 July.

Members only
Benefits
Georgia at Solent-LEP-talk

Creative Training Sessions - 2026/27

Benefits
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

Special Opportunities - 2026

Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their handstwo people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 1 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions, 2026 - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

The first of a new block of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members are now open to apply for! Deadline: 31st May 2026.

Members only
Members
Opportunity

Creative Practice Session: Prioritising Your Work

Small group session on 5th May with Alys Scott Hawkins, focused on prioritising your creative work when life pulls in multiple directions.

Members only
News

Thank you for joining in the IW Creative Industries Conference 2.0

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s IW Creative Industries Conference on 24th March 2026

Members
Opportunity

The Bit in the Middle: Staying Power in Business

Members only
Members
News

March Group Crit Session 2026

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance art, animation, moving image, sound, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 9 March 2026: artist Nathan Holt

Members only
News

AI for Island Business Owners

How AI can support the creativity and values of Island-based businesses? One day AI Summit is coming! 4th March 2026! Book Now!

Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 4 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Our 4th round of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members are now open! Deadline to apply 22nd Feb 2026.

Members only
Opportunity
Georgia Newman on stage at the conference

IW CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CONFERENCE 2.0

The IW Creative Industries Conference returns for 24th March 2026 - an event designed to empower the Island’s creative professionals to move forward with clarity, focus, and purpose.

Members
Opportunity

Videography sessions with Trudie Wilson

Special Opportunity for IW Creative Network members! Apply now for a free videography session to promote your practice! Deadline 1st Feb 2026.

Members only
Members
Opportunity

DIY Video Production Training Session with Katsi

Get hands-on with the basics of creating great video content using the tools you already have - from mobile phones to DSLRs in this free workshop on 12th Feb 2026.

Members only
Opportunity

Free Business Support for Creatives: Rebel Business School Comes to the Isle of Wight

A free, in-person evening programme designed to help creatives test ideas, build confidence, find customers & start generating income! New for Jan/Feb 2026!

News

January Group Crit Session 2026

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance arts, animation, moving image, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 26 Jan 2026: artist Jasmine Metta Truman

Opportunity

Open Call: “Can You Hear Us?” – Landed Public Art Commissions

Three new commissions celebrating & responding to the Island’s unique environment as part of 'Can You Hear Us?' 2026. Deadline to apply: 14th Dec 2025

Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 3 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Our 3rd round of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members are now open! Deadline to apply 9th Jan 2026.

Members only
Members
News

Creative Meet-Up & Skills Swap Launch Event

Creative Exchange Social: Skills, Connections & What’s Next for IW Creatives - join us on 27th Nov 2025!

Members only
Opportunity

Arts Council England and Digital Culture Network Online Session

Discover Arts Council England funding & how to access digital support through the Digital Culture Network in this FREE online session on 19th Nov 2025.

Opportunity

November Group Crit Session 2025

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance arts, animation, moving image, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 10th Nov 2025: artist Kay McCrann.

Opportunity
2023 JAN SOLENT LEP IW CREATIVES NETWORKING EVENT

COFFEE & CHAT SESSION - Nov 2025

Provided in collab with Brave Island, ‘Coffee & Chat’ sessions are for 14-25 yr olds wanting to find out more about working in the creative industries. Next session: Fri 7th Nov 2025.

Members
News

Grow and Go - Creative Training Session

Upscale & take your business to the next level on this free workshop by Portsmouth Creates on 14th Oct 2025.

Members only
Members
News

Creative UK Membership

WE HAVE CREATIVE UK MEMBERSHIP! ….And now that means all IWCN members can access Creative UK’s FREE student membership - perfect for early career creatives!

Members only
Members
Opportunity

We Connect 2025 – Inclusion in the Arts, IWCN Away Day

We’re heading to Portsmouth for We Connect 2025, a one-day conference on 25th Sept exploring Inclusion in the Arts!

Members only
News
2023 JAN SOLENT LEP IW CREATIVES NETWORKING EVENT

COFFEE & CHAT SESSION

Provided in collab with Brave Island, ‘Coffee & Chat’ sessions are for 14-25 yr olds wanting to find out more about working in the creative industries. Next session: Tue 23rd Sept 2025

News
Building41 Front with Sign

Announcing New Go For Growth Training Sessions

New 2025 training sessions in collaboration with Go For Growth this Autumn!

News

IW Creative Network 2025 Bursary Recipients Announced!

We are delighted to announce the recipients for this year’s bursary awards!

Members
Opportunity

September Group Crit Session 2025

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance arts, animation, moving image, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 22 Sept 2025: artist Kathy Williams

Members only
News

7 DOORS

7 Island artists have each created a unique, interactive doorway as a site-specific art trail for Ventnor Fringe 2025!

Opportunity

July Group Crit Session

Critical group sessions for creatives working in visual & performance arts, animation, moving image, photography & craft, chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Presenting on Mon 21 July 2025: artist Trudie Wilson

News

Round up of our Southampton Research Away Day

A round up note of our research trip to Southampton's cultural spaces on 11th July 2025, for IW Creative Network members.

Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 2 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Our second round of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members are now open! Deadline to apply 22nd Aug 2025.

Members only
Opportunity
Members
yellow lightbulb and ladder on a red background

APPLY NOW: 121 Creative Business Mentoring Sessions 2025 - online with Mick Smith

121 Creative Business Mentoring opportunity for IWCN members! Deadline to apply 4th Aug 2025.

Members only
Members
Opportunity

APPLY NOW: Photo Shoots with Julian Winslow

Members can now apply for special opportunities to help develop your creative practice! Deadline to apply 3rd Aug 2025.

Members only
Opportunity

Opportunity for Young Island Creatives

121 Support and 1 year’s free IW Creative Network membership for 18-25 year olds! APPLY NOW BY 1ST JULY!

Members
Opportunity

Southampton Research Away Day

A behind-the-scenes research trip for IW Creative Network members on Friday 11th July 2025.

Members only
News

Scratch Night: A Sell-Out Success at Cowes Fringe

Our first ever Scratch Night at Cowes Fringe 2025 was packed with people, emotion, love, loss, bold ideas, and big heart.

Benefits
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

Special Opportunities - 2025/2026

Opportunity

Scratch Night with Cowes Fringe 2025

Hosted in collab with IW Creative Network and Mayflower Studios - Kick off the Cowes Fringe early with ‘Scratch Night’ on 22nd May a free event of works-in-progress!

Opportunity

IW Creative Network Bursary Launch Event & Networking

Join us on Thu 29 May for the launch of our 2025 bursary programme and meet fellow creatives!

Members
Opportunity

IW CREATIVE NETWORK BURSARIES 2025

From 29th May, members of the IW Creative Network can apply for a bursary grant of £1,000 to help develop your creative practice! Deadline 4th July 2025!

Members only
Members
Opportunity
two people talking in a cafe focusing on the table and their hands

APPLY NOW: Round 1 of 121 Creative Advice Sessions - online with Alys Scott Hawkins

Our first round of 121 creative advice sessions for individual members are now open! Deadline to apply 23rd May 2025.

Individual members only
News

IW Creative's Networking Event

Join us on Thu 24 April for a free networking event in collaboration with tech and production team Vectis Hires.

News
Panel on stage at the IWCN Conference 2024

Shaping Creative Futures: Conference Highlights & Annual Survey

Complete our Annual Creatives Survey and watch highlights from the IW Creative Industries Conference 2024