Independent Arts Secures Funding For Wavelength Schools Project

Island creative health charity Independent Arts has secured funding to bring its Wavelength arts and science project to eight more primary schools.

The organisation has received a significant award from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, which will support the programme during 2027 and 2028.

Wavelength previously ran between 2020 and 2023, working with children from Year 3 to Year 7 across six Island primary schools, two secondary schools and a pupil referral unit.

The new programme will begin in January 2027, with termly artist residencies delivered by Isle of Wight artists working across a range of creative disciplines.

Independent Arts says Wavelength provides an innovative way for children to explore science through the arts, while also supporting wellbeing, confidence and engagement with learning.

The project will also involve partnerships with organisations from the Island's arts, heritage and wider cultural sectors.

One Island primary school head of curriculum said the programme could help children express their emotions, improve mental health and bring elements of the science curriculum to life, particularly for pupils with additional needs.

Catherine Sutton, Head of Programme – Education at the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said the organisation was delighted to support Independent Arts and its work with local schools.

She said Wavelength would create new opportunities for children to engage with education and overcome barriers to learning, while boosting wellbeing and confidence.

The foundation also said the programme would help teachers develop arts-based approaches and creative wellbeing practices, leaving a lasting legacy for children and school communities.

Independent Arts was established on the Isle of Wight in 1987 and uses the arts to improve wellbeing, quality of life and reduce social isolation.

The charity delivers services across the Island for people of all ages and is mainly supported by grant funders and local supporters.