Provided in collaboration with Quay Arts, these quarterly group Crit Sessions are for creatives working in disciplines such as visual & performance art, animation, moving image, sound, photography, craft.
Crit session coming up: Monday 20th July 2026, 5.30-7.30pm Quay Arts (in the Seminar Room), Newport, FREE
A crit is a critique where one creative will be invited at each session to share their work with a group and speak about their work, idea or a project they are pursuing, looking for honest, constructive feedback from other artists. These sessions will be limited to max 20 places within each group.
Chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins:The group Crit Sessions will be chaired by Alys Scott Hawkins. Alys is a specialist in Artist Support, providing guidance and advice to overcome barriers, plan projects and make funding applications. She is a member of the Artist Council: the advisory panel for a-n: the UK’s largest membership organisation for visual artists. Previously she led the Artist Development programme at 'a space' arts, Southampton, drawing on her long-standing networks within the arts sector across the region.
To find out more about Alys and her work, please click here.
Alys Scott Hawkins, photo by Maria Bell
Presenting on Monday 20th July 2026: Lisa HeathLisa Heath is an Island-based artist whose sculptures comprise hand-worked silver and textiles built in response to flotsam/salvaged objects. The themes behind them focus on the human condition and seek to inspire a deeper consideration of our shared experience. Having exhibited widely in open exhibitions, she is now working towards her first solo exhibition; “Freedom as a State of Mind”.
Alongside her sculptures, Lisa plans to include work that explores new disciplines such video, soundscape and kinetic sculpture. She is also deeply concerned with accessibility and is exploring ways for her work to be experienced by the widest possible cross-section of society; as well as the ways in which the opportunities offered by an Island-based exhibition can be maximised to assist Island artists in reaching a wider audience.
This is a unique opportunity for Isle of Wight creatives to gain valuable feedback, share insights, and develop their practice in a supportive group setting. All creatives are welcome!
What others have said:
"It's the first step for me in becoming a little more relaxed about sharing my work in a verbal way! I've realised having an event, exhibition, crit or showcase is a really good way to to create focus and the deadline made me pull together ideas I'd had for a while but really didn't know how to express." - Vicky Wilson, artist.
"These sessions provided a unique space where I could openly share my work with a diverse group of creatives, gaining feedback that was both insightful and constructive. This supportive environment encouraged me to explore new perspectives and approaches I hadn't considered. The chance to discuss my ideas was instrumental in shaping the direction of my project, offering guidance that continues to influence my work as I push 'Drip Splatter Smear' into new phases. This experience not only strengthened my current practice but also provided me with tools and insights that I’ll carry into future projects." - Laura Hathaway, artist.
This event will take place in the Seminar Room, next to the cafe at Quay Arts. (Please note the earlier start time of 5.30pm till 7.30pm for this crit session).
MONDAY 20 JULY 2026 SESSION - BOOK HERE!
If you would like to be considered for future group Crit Sessions, please email georgia@creativeisland.org a brief outline of what you’d like to present, along with any links to your work and technical requirements to show your work.
Light refreshments will be available at these sessions and there will be a chance to network with other creatives. We’ll also hear from the Quay Arts team about opportunities coming up at the Centre.
Venue address: Quay Arts, Sea Street, Newport Harbour, IW PO30 5BD(access via side terrace entrance door).
Parking available via two car parks on Little London Rd and Sea Street. Buses also regularly come into Newport from all areas of the Island and is a 5 min walk from the bus station.
