Autumn 2026:
Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2026:
Maggie Sawkins & Jo Kori Fri 9th Oct 3.30pm
As current Poet in Residence at Art-House-Life based in Osborne House Stable Block, Maggie Sawkins will present work inspired by her collaboration to date with the artist Joanna Kori.
The presentation will be followed by a conversation between Maggie and Joanna about writers’ residencies and the mutual opportunities they offer - from exploring each other’s language forms and exchanging perspectives, to opening new creative directions for both parties that might not have otherwise emerged.
Our session is part of Write on the Wight at the IOWLF and is followed by the launch of a new Figlet magazine by Jean G Owen founder of Naked Figleaf Press. This event will be attended by Hillard Morley an author who has also collaborated with Art-House-Life on 'Shrink Wrap' - a prose-based short film recently selected for a US Film Festival.
Many thanks to Medina Bookshop & Naked Figleaf Press for their support of these events.
Official Selection: 'Shrink Wrap' short film
Town Creek Film Festival 16/17 Oct 2026
SHRINK WRAP
Filmed & edited by Jo Kori at Art-House-Life
Written & performed by Hillard Morley
Sound recorded by Calliope Studios
‘Shrink Wrap’ first came into existence as prose written by Hillard Morley, award-winning published author, as a quirky response to T.S. Eliot’s ‘Prufrock’ - a lyrical moment of which Hillard was proud, but was very much located in the past tense.
Thirty years on, in collaboration with award-winning visual artist Jo Kori's focused eye and expertise in composition, camera work and editing, ‘Shrink Wrap’ has now evolved into a refined, reflective piece of performance art. It has been filmed at Art-House-Life studios within the unique, historic Osborne Stable Block on the Isle of Wight, with sound recorded by island-based Calliope Studios.
Jo has introduced Hillard to the photography of Francesca Woodman and artwork of Helen Chadwick. Together they’ve discussed materials and texture and colour and flavour. They’ve explored leaves and seedpods and petals and peaches. They’ve investigated squares and circles and arches and triangles. They’ve sat in the dust of heritage, and gazed up at their island's open skies.
Jo & Hillard say:
"We are delighted that our 7-minute film has been selected by Gallatin's Poet Laureate & film jury to travel beyond the Solent & the UK, representing the beauty, heritage & creativity of our island to US audiences at the 2026 Town Creek Film Festival on Oct 16/17.
We are currently looking for sponsors/funding to help us with the costs of converting our film to a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) which is the professional format used by projection theatres worldwide. We would also love to attend the festival to represent the Isle of Wight/UK."
Please contact art@joannakori.com for further information.
Heritage Timeline Commission
Classic Boat Museum, Summer/Autumn 2026
Art-House-Life have been asked to support The Classic Boat Museum in designing their Heritage Timeline and workshops - a free community activity awarded recently by Creative Island Can You Hear Us.
The Heritage Timeline is inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry (due to be displayed at the British Museum this summer) and will use recycled sailcloth as a base.
Contact art@joannakori.com for details on how Island sewing, textile, crafts groups and individuals can participate.
Otherwise, please contact Ian Vallance, Education Officer at The Classic Boat Museum.