This FAQ page will be updated and reviewed regularly. Last update: 26.03.24
How do I join?
Applications are now open for new and existing Creatives! Go to the JOIN US section on the website, fill out your details to create an account and pay the £30 fee. You will then be prompted by a confirmation email to complete your application by filling out an online Membership Form. Check your Spam/Junk inbox for this confirmation email. If you don’t receive it, please email [email protected]
Do I have to be a professional creative or artist in order to join?
No. Whether you run a creative start-up, are a freelance creative, or just getting started, there’ll be something for you to help support your creative practice.
What age can you join from?
From ages 18 and up.
What are the creative Zoom sessions?
The creative sessions will be hosted via Zoom and planned throughout the year delivered by professional creatives, mentors and artists. Some sessions require participation but you can always choose not to by leaving your video off and audio muted.
All 2023 Creative Zoom Sessions are listed here. All 2022 Creative Zoom Sessions are listed here. When you join the network (even as a new member!), you can watch them all back on the Resource section when logged into the website.
How do I book a place on a Creative Zoom Session?
Invitations to members of the IW Creative Network will be sent via Eventbrite to book a place on the Creative Zoom Sessions – so make sure to double check your Spam/Junk folder for this email to book your place and access the Zoom sessions. They will also be posted on the News section of the website – but you will need to be logged into the website to view the post as it will contain a link to the Eventbrite event for members only.
What if I can’t make the Creative Zoom Sessions?
All of the Zoom sessions are recorded and uploaded to the Resource section of the website. They are password-protected, so members can log in and access them at anytime.
What are the special opportunities as part of the development programme in 2024?
When applying to become a member in 2024, you’ll be able to apply for special opportunities to help develop your creative practice. The full Development Programme for 2024 will be announced soon! Keep watching this space and on social media to find out what’s included. To see what was included in the development programme in 2023, go to ‘about’, ‘benefit’ and select ‘2023 archive’.
How do I create profile page on the website?
Once you have signed up as a member, you will be able to create your own profile page as part of the Creative Directory. Click here to watch a guided video on how to create your profile.
Are there deadlines to apply for the special opportunities included in the development programme?
Yes. There’s no deadline to apply to become a member of the network – you can join at any time but there will be specific deadlines to apply for special opportunities throughout the year. All members will be notified on when opportunities come up via the monthly e-newsletter and via social media and on the News section of the website.
Is there an online forum to directly connect with members of the network?
Yes – we have set up a Facebook Forum for members of the IW Creative Network. This is a closed Facebook group where all members can discuss ideas, exchange details, form sub-groups and self-initiate cultural events and activities on and off the Isle of Wight. There is also a Slack site for network members, you can sign up here.
I manage a creative service / cultural organisation on the Isle of Wight, can I have a profile page on the website?
Yes, go to Join Us on the website and selection ‘Organisation’. You will be able to create a public profile and join the Creative Directory, attend & host networking events, and take part in a bespoke development programme to support organisations. We want exhibition spaces, studios, co-working spaces, maker-spaces, heritage venues, facilities and arts venues to join and be a apart of this Island-wide Creative Directory – linking people to place.
How long will my membership last?
It will last for one year from the date of which you made your payment to become a member. The £30 fee you pay goes towards the project costs for the year.
Do I need to pay annually?
When signing up as member you will have the option to automatically renew your payment annually. If you select to automatically renew, you will be reminded 14 days before this comes out of your account. You will be charged 12 months later at the same rate with the card you used to sign up with. If your card details run out or change, you can go into your account and manually change this.
I didn’t receive a confirmation email on receipt of payment. What should I do?
Check your Junk/Spam mail and if it’s still not there, email [email protected] as you will need this confirmation email to click the link to complete your membership form.
When I pay it says, the payment recipient is the ‘Island Collection’, who is this?
The Island Collection – now known as Creative Island is the cultural development agency for the Isle of Wight and delivers the IW Creative Network as part of its Arts Council England NPO delivery.
How is this all funded?
The IW Creative Network is under the umbrella of Creative Island from 2023-2026 as part of its Arts Council funded NPO delivery as well as funding from IW Council. The running costs are also partly supported through membership fees.
Who do I need to contact for further information?
Georgia Newman manages the IW Creative Network and will be your main point of contact. Georgia is Deputy Director of Creative Island and a Creative Producer on the IW. Through her work within the cultural sector, she has gained a wealth of knowledge in collaborative working, public engagement and arts fundraising.
Please note, this is a part-time role, curating and facilitating the programme and website, so please allow for a few days for an email response. Her email is [email protected]
This FAQ page will be updated and reviewed regularly.
