IW Creative Network

Siberian Tiger Cub by Chris Packham

(Wildlife Photography, 2014)

“I’ve been a volunteer at Dimbola for a number of years and have seen many beautiful exhibitions, but the Chris Packham show from 2014 particularly stands out for me. “I love the natural world and I find this image of a young tiger to be full of movement and beauty. All the photos in this exhibition were stunning, but this one I thought was exceptional. I am artistic myself and I really like the colour of the tiger against the snowwhite background. Chris has captured the speed and energy of the cub and you can almost hear the crunch of the snow when you look at the image.” Pat Laube, Front Desk Volunteer

“In 1992 I was one of a small group of people who fought plans to demolish Dimbola and replace it with a characterless block of concrete flats. We found ourselves in combat with council “high ups”, but with a large body of support both locally and in the international photographic world. Thus, it was with huge satisfaction that we eventually saved the house in 1994, and turned it into a museum, arts centre, and café. Koo Stark cut the red ribbon and declared the house open. “Koo was one of Olympus’s star photographers and has shown her luminous portraits in-house. My personal favourite is John Hurt, cigarette defiantly in hand, tough and yet fragile. He was all set to play Tennyson to Brenda Blethyn’s Julia Margaret Cameron in a movie, The Glass House, to be set at Dimbola and Farringford, and dark spaces between (the writers imagined a love affair between Poet Laureate and celebrity Photographer). “John has now passed away, but somehow in Koo’s marvellous image, he is eternal.”

John Hurt by Koo Stark, 1986 (Stark Images, 2001)

Dr Brian Hinton, Chairman

IW Artists and Creatives Smashing it in Business!

By Georgia Newman, Creative Producer

Since its launch in March 2022, the IW Creative Network now has a membership of over 90 individuals. The network brings IW artists, makers and creative professionals together and helps develop their business and creative skills.

In 2022, its talent development programme included away days to Southampton and Portsmouth visiting creative spaces, studios and galleries, networking events at cultural venues on the IW and creative Zoom sessions which included training on: Aligned Business Planning; Social Media & Branding; an Arts Funding panel discussion; how to Develop Workshops; Artist Networks & DIY practices; Creative Collaborations in the Biosphere; and a mindset session on understanding your worth and building confidence. Members also got the opportunity to apply for 1-2-1 portfolio advice, mentoring sessions, photoshoots of their work and bursary grants!

“Joining the IWCN has been useful in so many ways within my creative practice. I received some excellent professional mentoring which helped me focus and plan for future goals. I was also extremely grateful to receive the bursary which helped to fund an exhibition of drawing research practice as part of my PhD. Most importantly though it has been a fantastic source of support as both an artist and a relative newcomer to the island; I have learnt so much about all the exciting creative practice that is happening here and have connected with many interesting people.”

Kay McCrann, Visual Artist.

Image of singer Nina Ross taken by Julian Winslow

The new website includes a Creative Directory of members, as well as news, opportunities and resources. Through joining the network, creatives have become more resilient in finding out about funding avenues and making successful grant applications. It has boosted their business skills as well as creatively developed their practice. Coming together at special events, in person and online, has forged new relationships, partnerships and collaborations. “Georgia launched IWCN at exactly the right time for me – I wanted to show my Sewing Memories interactive work at a major museum space and to be funded. I was lucky to get 1-2-1 mentoring from Mick Smith who gave me invaluable insights, encouragement and helped shape my overall approach. As a result, I achieved Art Council England funding and successfully ran my project during October 2022 at award-winning museum The D-Day Story. Via the IWCN I have also made some brilliant professional art friendships and I am really looking forward to IWCN 2023!”

Jan Frith, Visual Artist.

In 2023, the network will aim to grow and support more creatives on the Island to thrive. You might have just graduated and returned to the Island but are not sure who to connect with, or maybe you’re making work but lacking a bit of confidence in closing down sales, or you might want to connect with other creatives and find out what else is going on culturally on the IW and across the Solent. Whatever stage you’re at, there will be something for you to help develop your talent, grow your creative business and refine your artistic voice! Just go to the website to join and start applying for special opportunities throughout the year.

Jan Frith with SM 7 by 5 ratio

Kay McCrann’s exhibition

Portsmouth away day group photo with IWCN members

Visit: www.iwcreativenetwork.com or search ‘IW Creative Network’ on Instagram & Facebook.