Biospheres connect people to the world around them, prompting awareness, care, and action. This has never been more important. Our membership of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme affords us the chance to collaborate with, and learn from, other Biospheres worldwide, and they to learn from us, as we all seek sustainable solutions. As the only ‘entire nation’ Biosphere, the Isle of Man is enabling people to more easily connect with, care for and realise the importance of our nature, culture, heritage and community life.

Visit Isle of Man is the official tourism organisation dedicated to showcasing the unique charm and beauty of the Isle of Man. Offering a diverse range of experiences, from scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures to rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, Visit Isle of Man provides visitors with everything they need to explore the Island. Whether you're looking for tranquil coastal walks, or a deep dive into the Island's fascinating history, Visit Isle of Man is your guide to discovering all that this special place has to offer.

Manx Wildlife Trust knows that a society where nature matters is key to our wellbeing. We believe in developing creative partnerships to get people outdoors experiencing and enjoying Manx landscapes and seascapes. This residency brings people closer to nature at our sites, reaches local communities including those who don’t normally engage with MWT, and offers opportunities across the Island to take part in creative and cultural activities that improve our Island understanding of nature, our Biosphere, wellbeing, and quality of life.

This Biosphere Photographer in Residence programme’s ambition is for an Isle of Man that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our culture and the arts. We welcome proposals demonstrating innovative, adventurous, and creative responses to this brief.

Find the full role descriptor at the bottom of this page.

What you receive if your are the Biosphere Photographer in Residence:

• Status/Title of being the Biosphere/MWT Photographer in Residence for 2025
• Stipend £6000
• £8,000 budget for equipment, materials, training and event costs
• Be part of the MWT team – working with our existing staff and volunteers.
• Opportunity to engage wider audiences in the IOM about photography and Manx nature
• Opportunity to create a legacy, with photography, that remains on permanent exhibition beyond the residency.

What you will deliver:

• Five public engagement events including within MWT Nature Reserves and in the major centres of population
• Promote Manx nature through photography
• Digital Engagement: a webpage/website, social media and a blog by the photographer.

Application Process

We welcome applications in written, sound, or moving-image format. For fairness, the following restrictions on length of applications apply:

• No more than 3 sides of A4 submitted electronically as one document (hard copy applications will not be accepted). Still-image submissions must conform to this limit.
• No more than 3 minutes of audio or audio-visual content submitted electronically as a single file in MP3 or MP4 format, accompanied by no more than 1 side of A4 which addresses the budget and time frame requirements.

Your application should include and demonstrate the following:

• Your understanding of the Biosphere, Visit Isle of Man and MWT objectives in relation to section 2 (Brief)
• Your creative response to the brief, addressing the deliverables in section 3 (Deliverables).
• Your outline plans for community engagement and/or participatory work as required in section 3 (Deliverables)
• Proposed timeframe for delivery of activities and outputs
• Evidence of your portfolio (this may include a URL link to further examples of your work)
• Clarification of your IoM Settled Worker Status

Applications can be submitted here: graham@mwt.im

**The deadline for application is 12midnight on Sunday 26th January 2025 **