Exciting New Creative Space For Ryde As Department Arts Centre Opens Doors

Shademakers UK, the team behind the new Department arts centre in Ryde, closed surrounding streets on Thursday (13 March) for a formal opening of the venue — based on Cross Street.

Launch events were attended by Arts Council England, Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund alongside local partners from Isle of Wight Council, and numerous local organisations and individuals.

Carol Jaye, Ryde Arts, said:

"It’s a huge opportunity. The building is open with exhibitions and performances, but for the future, it is an exciting blank canvas, who knows what will be painted on that canvas?

"It is now over to the community to embrace the space and allow their imagination to enable it to take shape."

Shademakers UK, along with local arts partners based in the building (Ryde Arts, Stitch Department and Horse Box Theatre) have transformed the High Street department store into a new arts centre, digitally connected and open to all, and supported by £2.4 million public funding.

The transformation has been led by Shademakers in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, architects TurnerWorks, and a dedicated team of experts and funders.

Phil Gibby, Arts Council England's Area Director for the South West, said:

“This is a truly significant moment in the cultural development of the Isle of Wight, an Arts Council England Priority Place.

"Department is poised to become an exemplary high-street regeneration project, one that’s sure to bring positive benefits to Ryde for years to come.

"The work Shademakers has done to redevelop this famous building and build a creative community around it is a model that other places are sure to draw on.

"We are proud to be delivering this investment on behalf of DCMS to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to high-quality creative and cultural experiences on their doorstep.”

Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Phil Jordan, added:

"This has been a fantastic project and achievement that enhances the creative opportunities for the local community in Ryde and on the Isle of Wight and offers new access in an area of deprivation for people to engage in creative and visual arts, theatre, digital, and carnival activities.

“I am pleased that the support of Turner Works, the Isle of Wight Council and the substantial investment from Arts Council England has made the project possible and I look forward to the continuing success of Shademakers and the Department in the years to come.”