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Brave New Voices: Meet the Brave Island Artists Taking Part in IW Open Studios 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that five talented young artists, supported by Brave Island, are taking part in Isle of Wight Open Studios 2025. Brave Island is a platform run by Ventnor Exchange offering free creative opportunities for 14–25 year olds living on the Isle of Wight - including funding, mentoring, experiences and training.

Through a dedicated partnership with IW Open Studios, five emerging artists aged 18–25 have been granted free membership for 2025 and paired with supportive studio venues across the Island, giving them a unique opportunity to exhibit their work and connect with a wider audience.
These artists are also supported in developing professional skills, confidence, and connections that will help launch and sustain their creative careers.

Meet the Brave Island Artists!

Dominika Baerova  IWOS event at: Riboleau Studios, Ryde →
“I’ve never exhibited my work before, so I’m excited to meet other creatives on the Island and share my work with a wider community. I’ll be showing a series of photographs exploring the idea of belonging - where and how we find it, whether in the world or within ourselves.”
Dominika’s reflective photography captures serene moments of connection and harmony with nature, drawn from landscapes around the world.

Rosie Fennell IWOS event at: Jubilee Stores, Newport →
“The opportunity of a shared space means I can showcase my work to a wider audience and expand my network within the Island’s creative scene."
Rosie specialises in realist portraiture, capturing the inner essence and personality of her sitters. Her evolving style also explores more abstract and conceptual figurative work that sparks curiosity.

Indi Raphael IWOS event at: Jubilee Stores, Newport →
“I'd like to learn about how things work with showcasing and selling art, and to make more connections on the Island with local artists.”
Indi is using this opportunity to step into the professional art world and connect with the Island’s creative community.

Kira Lacey IWOS event at: The Coaching House, Ryde →
“I am an artist really struggling to get my art out there. I don’t know how to reach the right audience yet. This could be the perfect opportunity to finally get myself out there.”
Kira’s involvement in IWOS marks a step forward in finding her audience and building confidence in sharing her work publicly.

Joel Lines IWOS event at: The Coaching House, Ryde →
“This is a great opportunity to showcase past and current work and have conversations about my creative process. My work is large-scale and carnival-based, including fashion, props and costume.”
Joel, a Central Saint Martins graduate, creates work inspired by his background in carnival, puppetry and performance, and is passionate about sustainable making. 

Independent Arts Window Display

As well as their main studio locations, you can also spot work by Dominika Baerova, Indi Raphael, and Joel Lines on display in the windows of Independent Arts!

Address: Independent Arts 48–49 High Street, Newport. On show 6th-26th May 2025.

This partnership with Brave Island reflects IWOS’s ongoing commitment to making creativity accessible to all and ensuring the next generation of artists have a platform to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Visit the artist profiles above to find out more - and make sure to include these brilliant young voices in your IW Open Studios 2025 trail from 16th–26th May!

Image: by Joel Lines