Finding Folk
Published by Independent Arts in Member News · Friday 02 May 2025 · 1:30
Finding Folk is an Independent Arts project delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network
Group, Isle of Wight. Set up to run in four housing sites in West and East Cowes and Ryde, the
project is aimed at giving residents the chance to spend a couple of hours with others in their
housing community, sharing stories and conversation, and working alongside a professional
artist from the Island in some fun, simple craft activities.
The tales shared are based on old myths and superstitions, mostly from the Island’s own folklore
traditions, but lots of fun has already been had swapping old superstitions and tales from
residents own memories and lives both on and off the Island.
Independent Arts, Kerry Tindall explained “It’s a great way to get a conversation going whether
it’s about why we count Magpies or avoid the number 13, it’s amazing how many of us
automatically follow superstitions, touching wood and so on, perhaps it’s a bit of a ‘just in
case’ precaution!”
SNG’s Community Investment and Partnerships Lead Toby Eaglen agreed “At SNG we’re clear
that we want the people who live in our communities to thrive, and that’s why we have taken
the decision to fund Independent Arts – to build resilient communities, combat isolation and
help older people to make those vital connections. The tradition of folk stories being swapped
and shared between people down the generations is a great way to get people talking and
meet many of these objectives.”
The project began in January this year and is due to run until February 2026.