MWT to host the inaugural Biosphere Artist in Residence

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) is delighted to host the inaugural Biosphere Artist in Residence. Working with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partners and funded by Isle of Man Arts Council, MWT invites proposals for a year-long funded artist residency. The residency will connect 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. The funding will support one artist or art collective to develop their community-focused and socially engaged practice on the Island over the course of a year, with opportunities to deliver physical and/or digital interventions across the Island. In celebration of the Hairpin Woodland Park in Ramsey, this residency will include a focus on outputs in the north of the Island, including several MWT Nature Reserves and the Ayres Nature Discovery Centre.

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 inaugural 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 nationally and internationally.

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 renowned across the globe as a leader in enabling people to more easily connect with our nature, culture, heritage and community life.

The Isle of Man Arts Council works to deliver its vision of arts, culture and creativity for everyone on the Island. This residency will invest in the creative community, develop the knowledge, skills and creative practice of the Manx artists, and champion the arts as fundamental to our wellbeing and sense of place.

MWT supports these ambitions and 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. MWT have a strong history of working with local artists like Amanda Quellin, who produced the mural at the top of this page for our Festival of the Sea in Port Erin last year where visitors were able to help colour in the animals. It is now proudly displayed on Peel Breakwater and you can find out more about the artist here: www.amandaquellin.com. This residency will bring people closer to nature at our sites, reach local communities including those who don’t normally engage with MWT, and offer 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 Artist in Residence programme sets a bold ambition for a post-COVID Isle of Man that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our culture and the arts. MWT will be seeking proposals from innovative, adventurous, and creative artists.

What you receive if your are our Artist in Residence:

Status/Title of being the Biosphere/MWT Artist in Residence for all of 2022
Stipend £6000
Money for resources £7000 (plus £500 for room hire)
Skills and Training (£500 allowance)
Travel expenses (up to £500)
Be part of the MWT team – working with our existing staff and volunteers.
Opportunity to engage wider audiences in the IOM about art and Manx nature
Opportunity to create a legacy, with art work that remains on permanent exhibition beyond the residency.

What you will deliver:

Five public engagement events including within MWT NRs and in the major centres of population
Promote Manx nature through art

How to apply:

Submit an outline proposal to MWT outlining what you would do in the 12 months and why you would be an ideal person to be our A in R. This can be a written submission or a video.
Applications should be sent to MWT CEO via email: Leigh@mwt.im and be received no later than midnight on Monday 7^th February.
Short listed applicants will then be invited to present/pitch to a panel of people from MWT, IOM Arts Council and Biosphere.
The intention is that the Artist in residence is appointed in February.