Clayden Gallery, Sat 8 Nov – Sat 29 Nov 2025 (finished)
It’s No Ordinary Town highlighted a 12-month programme of work at Boojum&Snark, supported by Arts Council England. Pushing boundaries and shifting perceptions of Sandown, the programme featured a range of projects from creating modern myths and reviving folklore to utopian dreaming. The year-long activity included artist residencies, the development of partnerships, and extensive public workshops designed to encourage creative writing and alternative printmaking techniques.
“Sandown may have made national headlines this year as a town left to rot ,’ but we know it’s a town like no other. It’s steeped in quirky history and culture, with a community that wades knee-deep in mud to save carp, swims in the sea all year round, and goes all out for Carnival. This year of unique, place-based projects has certainly been entertaining, but it has also sparked meaningful onversations and partnerships. As always, we’re inspired by Sandown.“
Tracy Mikich, Creative Director of Boojum&Snark
The project offered a vast range of activities, from co-creating a giant puppet to producing a book of new Isle of Wight mythology. Nearly 200 people participated in creative opportunities, and thousands cheered the Sandown Clown’s appearance at the Sandown Carnival. The project has already been featured in the Fortean Times, with plans to develop Chuffle into a theatrical performance. Ultimately, this initiative is a testament to what happens when we shift our perspective from what is lost to what can be created. Through myth-making, folklore, and collaborative dreaming, the exhibition demonstrates that Sandown’s revival is not just a hope for the future but a creative conversation happening right now, driven by its vibrant and resilient community.
UPDATE: The exhibition has now finished. We’re so pleased that in 3 weeks over 1000 people visited. It was great to see your pictures, read comments and the love you showed for our Sandownish town. We have created a super amateur walk-through of the exhibition, so if you have 9 minutes to spare, please have a butchers…
#InspiredbySandown
