Independent Arts
Published in Member News · Tuesday 10 Sep 2024 · 3:45
Independent Arts, the arts for wellbeing
charity on the Isle of Wight is undergoing a change in leadership at the end of
September. Lisa Gagliani MBE, who has been the charity’s chief executive since
late 2019, will be leaving to take on the same role at The Blue Lamp
Trust.
After a careful recruitment process, the
trustees have appointed Rosanna Sloan to take over as chief executive. Rosanna
(Rosie) has been visiting the charity to get to know the team and to see for
herself some of the projects and activities they deliver, which range from
SingAbout for older people all over the island, to working in care homes to
deliver workshops for wellbeing, through to youth work, mental health support
and various creative sessions run at their Newport Creative Hub on the high
street.
The charity, which operates exclusively on
the Isle of Wight, has a small team of dedicated staff, supplemented by a large
team of professional artists and musicians, who are all paid to deliver the
various projects to support more than 550 people every week who would be
socially isolated otherwise.
Lisa Gagliani MBE said, “I’ve enjoyed
every minute of my time, almost five years, at Independent Arts – the team, the
volunteers and the arts practitioners are all exceptionally creative, wonderful
and kind people. I hope to have made the charity a little more visible through
working collaboratively with several island charities and by developing new
projects, especially those aimed at younger people and intergenerational
activities like chess on Saturdays. I wish Rosie and the team at Independent
Arts all the best for the future.”
Jacquie Heany, Chair of Trustees who led
the recruitment of Lisa’s successor said, “Lisa has been a fantastic CEO,
significantly raising the profile and extending the reach of Independent Arts
during her 5-year tenure. She joined the charity just before the pandemic
and successfully steered it though those challenging times. The Board are
grateful for the tremendous work she has done and for her leadership in
developing and managing a brilliant team.”
“In appointing Rosie Sloan as our new CEO,
the Board are confident that we have found an exceptional person to carry on
the fantastic work of Independent Arts. Rosie’s warmth and enthusiasm
were evident as soon as we met her, and she joins us with experience of
leadership in both the charity and arts sectors. The Board are very much
looking forward to working with her as we continue to develop the work of
Independent Arts.”
Rosanna Sloan said, "It's a privilege to join such an
inspiring team and organisation. I'm looking forward to contributing to
Independent Arts mission to change people's lives through the arts, to help
them to lead happier, healthier lives. I can't wait to meet our volunteers,
partners and participants over the coming months and carry on the incredible
work Lisa has spearheaded in collaboration with the team."
Independent Arts has enjoyed a busier than
ever summer, with a stint at Ventnor Fringe with art in the park, followed by a
fortnight of Holiday Hub with a special summer programme for young people and
then being the charity partner for Wight Proms. The fundraising volunteers sold
over £10,000 worth of raffle tickets at the Proms for island produce hampers
every day, all goods donated by island businesses thanks to Wooldridge Interiors, Isle of Wight
Distillery, Goddards Brewery, The Garlic Farm, Isle of Wight Tomatoes, Rapanui,
Joli of Cowes, Vivus Interiors, Cowes Gallery, Isle of Wight Mushrooms.
Coming up soon is a new weekly arts
session aimed at the home educated community to enable them to engage socially,
and a new arts project aimed at improving men’s mental health. For details see www.independentarts.org.uk call 822437 or pop
in to speak to any of the staff at the Creative Hub who will be happy to help
and to advise on what’s available to you or someone you care for.