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Arts & Culture

Scilly’s cultural offer is rich and varied, reflecting its long and proud history. From shipwrecks to treasure and from burial chambers to deserted villages, the history of Scilly is utterly compelling – especially as it mingles so tantalisingly with modern-day life on the islands. Scilly’s cultural heritage naturally revolves around the sea and the traditional pastimes of farming, fishing and pilot gig rowing – all of which prosper on the islands to this day - something that Scillonian families are proud of. Touring acts and artists also make welcome pilgrimages to Scilly, including Scilly’s own folk, art and music festivals. All of this, along with contemporary island life, provides inspiration and raw material for artists and creative people of all kinds.

The islands have a vibrant creative and artistic community that belie their small size. In fact, the Isles of Scilly have been a source of inspiration for generations so it’s no surprise that they continue to attract artists, musicians and writers due to their peaceful, magical and almost other worldly qualities. From exquisite silver jewellery to stunning fine art collections, from fired earthenware and stained glass to lino-cut prints and silk scarves, creativity abounds on every island, inspired by the natural surroundings. Resident and visiting artists paint in beach studios, landscape photographers capture changing moods, beachcombers make jewellery, musicians create Scilly soundscapes and writers weave island stories.

Many of Scilly’s cultural activities are delivered through Creative Islands, an Islands’ Partnership initiative which started life in 2017 as one of around 30 national projects funded by Arts Council England, all aimed at creating links between culture and tourism. Here on Scilly our aim is to encourage both residents and visitors to experience the amazing arts and culture on offer. Through Creative Islands we are developing new and imaginative ways of celebrating and sharing Scilly’s culture, working with local and visiting artists, makers, musicians, writers and more.

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Creative Scilly Festival

Creative Scilly is an Arts and Cultural festival, celebrating artists, makers, literature, poetry, music, theatre, performance and the spoken word, between 10th - 19th May. From BBC Radio's 4 Nature Table to comedy with Tamsyn Kelly and soprano singer Nancy May, the islands will host an eclectic mix of exciting and engaging events, including a bundle of island makers workshops.
1. 10 May 202419 May 2024
Isles of Scilly Manifesto for Culture

The Isles of Scilly Manifesto for Culture summarises the Isles of Scilly’s cultural ambitions in a single document. You can read all about it here.
Museum on the Move

Island hop your way across Scilly and discover treasures up close from over the centuries with Museum on the Move. Discover how here.
Oriel's Window

Scilly celebrates its newest piece of public art, a new glass work by Oriel Hicks, inspired in part by Scilly's collection of marine, maritime and environmental artefacts. Located on the Strand, in the heart of Hugh Town.
Walking Stories

Five acclaimed authors have used their love and knowledge of Scilly to write a short story, one for each of the inhabited islands. Listen here...
Arts guide

Launched in 2019, this sixty-page publication is available free of charge to visitors providing a pocket guide to the wealth of creative activity on the islands. Pick up a copy at the Tourist Information Centre and other outlets to appreciate the numerous studios.
Young Curators

The project has provided a refreshing approach to the curriculum and results have been collated into a magazine aimed at visiting families.