Ventnor Arts Club is on track to open in February and is now inviting applications for membership on its website www.ventnorartsclub.com. Exactly what the club is and what we can expect to go inside its art deco walls has been the subject of some interesting speculation despite the information being published during the planning process. People have guessed at various uses including film screenings, comedy nights, acoustic music sessions, poetry, art exhibitions, wine tastings and more. The fact is, it’s all of those as well as providing a bar, food, lounges and Wi-Fi facilities where people can meet, network, relax and enjoy mixing with people who share a love of the arts – in the widest sense. However, some guesses have been very wide of the mark; a builders joke alluded to the most popular of the misinterpretations of the members’ club concept. They stood a plastic pole in the centre of the small lounge room before they left the site.

“We’re now in the final phases of installing the electrics, security and AV systems, fitting the carpets and readying ourselves for the delivery of the sofas armchairs before members’ preview events in mid-February” says Stephen Izatt, Director and owner of the former NatWest Bank. “It’s been a process of discovery and one which will continue. During the refurbishment, we’ve discovered an amazing piece of 1924 architectural design along with all of the snags and challenges that false ceilings and ‘70s cladding have been hiding. And when we’re up and running the club, our activities, even our wine list will be reviewed in response to members’ feedback, as we discover their preferences.”

The concept of a club like this is familiar to people in London and other cities around the world, catering for people in the media and creative industries as well as people who enjoy the product of their imagination. During the afternoon, they provide a quiet place to meet, read the papers, check email or just hide away; alone or with friends. In the evening, the lights go down, the bar lights up to serve wine and cocktails, a bite to eat and on some nights, a diverse range of arts based events and entertainment. Will it work as well in Ventnor? Given the number of creative people and culture vultures who live or have second homes in Ventnor, it has every chance of providing a popular haunt alongside the restaurants, pubs and bars in a constantly improving Island town.