The Community Canvas project was conceived as a means of injecting life and colour into the abundance of empty wall space in The Riverside Centre, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity for talented islanders, for whom the concept of a traditional gallery is a barrier to showcasing their talents.

The project is a not-for-profit initiative funded by Community Action Isle of Wight, and aims to provide a free, informal setting for visual artists whose work is yet to be discovered and the journey is yet to begin.

The Riverside Centre receives a high footfall of visitors passing through the building on a daily basis, from all walks of island life and beyond; our ethos is one of inclusion. Community Canvas is open to aspiring artists of any age, and we invite submissions in any form or medium and within any genre.

Situated in the heart of The Riverside Centre, the designated hanging space is open and spacious, providing a self-contained area for multiple pieces of work, benefiting from both natural light and directional spot lighting. Rotating in three-monthly seasonal cycles we are looking for submissions for Spring, Summer and Autumn 2025.

If you or someone you know has a collection of work that the world really needs to see and are ready to take the next step, please email us a photo or two with a brief description of your work and a few lines about yourself.

Successful artists are encouraged to use social media freely to invite friends, family and the public to viewings. We will take no commission, but will happily offer advice on pricing, and support those that need input on how best to use the space to exhibit their work.