Each month we round up five of the most exciting opportunities currently available for young people living on the Isle of Wight, whether that’s from Brave Island or from other organisations we think you should get involved with! Check out our top picks for October below.

Young Artist Award 2026 Exhibition
The Isle of Wight Young Artist Award is back for 2026! We invited artists aged between 14-25 to submit their artwork, there was no set theme or subject so the they’ve had complete creative freedom.
The shortlisted pieces will be displayed at an Exhibition at Quay Arts in the Clayden Gallery starting on Saturday 17th October and running until the 14th November. It’s a great chance to meet your fellow artists and be inspired by the fantastic youth creativity on the island.
Click here for the full details on Quay Arts’ site.

Don’t miss out on “CAN YOU HEAR US?“
CAN YOU HEAR US? Is the six-week long mega project by Creative Island, bringing together an enormous number of Creative organisations and individuals from across the Isle of Wight and beyond. We’re now coming towards the end of the project, set to finish on the 24th October, but there’s still plenty to see!
Whatever you’re interests, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy! It could be the Electronic Music Open Mic Night at Aspire, Ryde to New Carnival’s Folktastic Show with the IW College and so much more! Check out the whole programme here.

£10,000 Grants from Ebay
eBay’s “Up & Running Grants” programme is a scheme that aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs by supporting young people aged 18–30 with funding of up to £10,000. This is particularly aimed at sellers that are building their business on eBay.
To find out more, you can click here to visit eBay’s page.

What would you change in West Wight?
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has teamed up with the We the 33 project to host an open day on 26th October from 1:30pm at West Wight sports Centre. They’re looking for people aged 11-25 and living in West Wight to tell them what could improve to make living there better. Plus, you can get free Pizza!
You can find out more on the Isle of Wight Youth Trust Facebook page or click here to sign up,

Win £100 with your Artwork
Octopus Energy are inviting young people aged 5 to 25 across Great Britain to submit designs that imagine an inspiring future. 100 winners will receive a £100 prize and have their Artwork displayed on ad spaces across the UK.
The theme for the competition is “Reinvention” and artwork can be made using any media and materials EXCEPT Artificial Intelligence. You can find more details and apply on the Octopus Energy website here.


