Biosphere Artist In Residence
The Isle of Man enjoys a reputation as one that cares and has a conscience for the unique culture, heritage, and community of its past and present. Few other places can identify such a clear and intimate connection between its society, environment, and economy. The landscape and seascape of the Island is an inspiration to its creative communities and treasured by residents and visitors alike. The Biosphere Artist in Residence programme brings together the vision of a sustainable future for Ellan Vannin by bringing people closer to nature and promoting our unique Manx culture and distinctiveness as central to the Island’s image both nationally and internationally.
The year-long post, is in partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and funded by Isle of Man Arts Council. The residency connects new audiences with Manx nature through the medium of art, the aim being to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our culture and the arts, as well as inspiring them to act for Manx nature!
Biosphere Artist's in Residence
Amy Howse - Biosphere Artist in Residence 2024-25
Amoré du Plessis
Amy’s background as a sound artist and sound therapist enables her to use sound to deepen our connection with nature in a way that both complements and differs from traditional visual art forms. Her approach offers an immersive experience that engages the senses beyond sight alone. Through her residency, Amy is seeking to foster sustainable wellbeing by using sound to help individuals experience the vibrant, unseen dimensions of nature—reminding everyone that personal wellbeing and the health of the Biosphere are intricately intertwined.
Ali Hodgson - Biosphere Artist in Residence 2023-24
Ali Hodgson, said: “It’s a real privilege to be selected as the Biosphere Artist in Residence. For me, it brings together so many aspects of my practice, bridging my background as both an illustrator and a communication designer rooted in social and ecological design principles.
I wanted to use the residency as an opportunity to take our Island’s movement towards sustainability beyond its current cultural and economic narrative, exploring and introducing some of the principles of ‘regenerative culture’ with a specific focus on our unique flora and fauna and their interconnections with each other and ourselves.”
As part of Ali Hodgson's residency, Ali worked on the REIMAGINING our Biosphere game that won the 2024 UNESCO Biosphere IoM Award for engagement.
Clare Payne - Biosphere Artist in Residence 2022-23
Island based artist, Clare Payne, was the inaugural Biosphere Artist in Residence.
Clare said: "I am absolutely over-the-moon to be awarded this amazing opportunity! We have some fantastic art projects planned to collaborate with the Manx community and create some fabulous works, promoting the Isle of Man's wonderful wildlife and wild spaces.
As a conservation 'artivist', I aspire to inspire the Manx public of all ages and interests to love our incredible environment and, through art, I really believe we can raise awareness to support and celebrate the diversity of our unique biosphere."