Who we are
A catalyst for change, Venture South is a facilitating body that helps unlock the place-making potential of the IW’s cultural and creative sectors. We exist to create jobs for our people giving them less reason to leave and instead attract new talent to a more sustainable and growing Island economy.
None of the board members are paid for their involvement. They have joined the team because they believe in the potential to change the Isle of Wight for good, through attracting investment for culture and arts projects.
While we understand the arts funding landscape, we believe that the best use of any grants under our management is for the seeding of well defined and planned projects that can grow to become self sufficient.
With our network of peers, friends, business links and through our MP, we can connect with public bodies, commercial organisations and the investment community to find ways to make projects happen.
Download our report: Venture South 2020
Our board members come from a variety of backgrounds where they have delivered positive change and transformational projects. Collectively, we know how to initiate and plan projects, find investors and manage.
Linda Sullivan Chair
Linda is a corporate fnancier
specializing in media and technology.
Since 2011 Linda has been Head of
Media and Digital, and a partner, at
Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP, part
of the fnnCap group. Linda lives in the
South of the Island and is passionate
about culture and heritage.
Andrew Watt Vice Chair
Andrew has over 30 years experience in public policy development, non-profit management and fundraising. He
is a former President the largest philanthropic support organization
in the US, The Association of Fundraising Professionals whose members raised over $1.8bn in 2015. He is currently Senior Principal at Accordant Philanthropy in
healthcare. And he lives in Bembridge.
Nigel Hartley
Nigel has worked in End-of-Life
Care for almost 30 years and is Chief Executive Officer at the Mountbatten Group covering the Isle of Wight and Hampshire. Nigel is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts a visiting Academic at the University of Southampton and an experienced writer, lecturer and musician.
Stephen Izatt
Through his creative agency Thinkfarm, Stephen helps people develop ideas and has launched many high-profile brands. They include ventures in media, entertainment, charitable causes and the arts like The O2, The Roundhouse and Scala Radio. His own Island based adventure is closer to home; Ventnor Arts Club was established in 2012.