IW Theatre Companies Networking Event – February 2026
On Monday 2nd February, theatre-makers from across the Isle of Wight gathered at Ventnor Exchange for our latest IW Theatre Companies Networking event.
It was a constructive and open conversation, with a clear appetite in the room to keep building momentum and working more collaboratively across the Island. Below is a summary of the key themes discussed and areas we’ll be progressing.
KEY THEMES:
PRODUCING SUPPORT & FUNDING
There was a strong call for more producing support on the Island, particularly for artists looking to scale up their work.
We discussed the challenges of navigating Arts Council England funding, especially for first-time applicants. Practical advice was shared around starting with an R&D grant to test ideas before scaling up, rather than applying for 100% of funding in one go.
Contact details were shared for the Isle of Wight Relationship Manager at Arts Council England:
Abigail McQuater – abigail.mcquater@artscouncil.org.uk
We also highlighted our Hub Membership with the Independent Theatre Council (ITC). Any IW theatre company that is part of the Creative Island Network can access ITC support, including:
- Networking opportunities
- Training programmes
- Policy templates
- Legal advice (contracts, disputes, DBS checks)
- Practical guidance on running a theatre company
More information on ITC Hub Membership: https://iwcreativenetwork.com/itc-hub-associates/
CREATIVE EDUCATION
There was discussion around the wider national and local pressures facing creative subjects in secondary education.
While concerns were raised, it was also important to note that constructive conversations are underway. Through the IW Cultural Education Partnership, Creative Island continues to work directly with schools across the Island, helping young people understand the range of careers available within the creative sector.
TECH SKILLS
A lack of sound and lighting technicians was identified as a significant barrier for theatre-makers.
Training is expensive, and retention is a concern.
Action: We will issue a call-out through the Creative Island Network to identify local technicians and potential training links.
SPACE & STORAGE
Potential storage options at Building 41 will be explored.
Ingrams Yard was highlighted as an excellent making/build space (though not necessarily for rehearsal), and Bembridge Fort’s ‘Magazine Theatre’ was flagged as another possible venue.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
There was interest in developing scratch nights and live reading formats (Jamboree-style).
Potential connections were identified with MAST, The Department and Ventnor Fringe.
There was also a reminder to look beyond schools and explore opportunities within health, prisons and social care settings.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
We noted that the Island has a higher-than-average proportion of creative jobs compared to the national average.
Advocacy remains important, particularly in light of devolution and mayoral authority developments. Creative Island will continue to represent the sector in regional conversations.
COLLABS, CLASHES & COMMS
Clash diary issues continue. IW Theatre runs a public calendar, but many companies are not currently submitting listings.
Theatre companies are encouraged to check and submit upcoming productions to:
https://iwtheatre.org This will help reduce clashes and improve visibility across the Island.
We also discussed the need to build trust and move beyond “guarding patches”, recognising the strength of collaboration.
NEW WHATSAPP GROUP FOR IW THEATRE COMPANIES
A WhatsApp group has now been created to help theatre companies and practitioners stay in touch between meetings. You can join by scanning the QR code available at the bottom of this page.
The group is open to anyone working in or running a theatre company on the Isle of Wight. Please feel free to share it with others who may benefit.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed to such a thoughtful and generous discussion. There is real strength in this network, and real potential if we continue to connect.
Scan here to join:
