Champions of Isle of Wight culture turned out today (Tuesday) to launch a new ten-year strategy.

By 2033, the aim is to gain national recognition for the Island's distinctive communities, which they say have a rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative spirit.

The arts, heritage and culture will be developed through collaboration, and creative talent would be attracted and retained.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said it would 'highlight what culture means' and where it can be found on the Isle of Wight, showcasing everything from theatres to museums and libraries to music events.

Cllr Jones-Evans said culture is not 'grandiose or high-brow', pointing to the Isle of Wight Festival as an example of it on the Island.

She said: "We often use the logical side of our brain, but we need to realise we can use the creative side as well. We are creative beings."

She hopes the strategy will boost the Island's economy, growing the creative sector and creating more highly skilled, highly paid jobs.

It has been described as the cultural blueprint for the Island and was approved by the council in June.

Creative Island, formerly the Island Collective, is behind the plan and is working with the Isle of Wight Council, partly funded by the Arts Council.

Gavin Stride, Creative Island's executive director, said he wanted to make the strategy relevant to Islanders and said it would require creatives to adapt and behave differently and to collaborate with partners.

Mr Stride said the task for the creative and culture industry is to do what they can, with what they have, in the places where they live.

You can read the cultural strategy and find out more at www.creativeisland.org.