Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), in collaboration with Visit Isle of Man, is thrilled to announce the inaugural Biosphere Photographers in Residence for 2025. This new residency initiative follows the success of the Biosphere Artist in Residence programme, supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

The first photographers to take part in the residency are a creative collective consisting of renowned photographer Ciara Hardisty and skilled videographer Adam Morgan. Hardisty’s expertise in nature and landscape photography, showcased through her platform Wild Island Media, will complement Morgan's cinematic approach to visual storytelling.

The selected creatives will receive a stipend and funding for equipment, materials, training, and event costs. Over the course of the residency, they will collaborate closely with MWT to produce a combination of photography and video that celebrates the Island's unique natural beauty, vibrant culture, and close-knit communities. Their work will contribute to a lasting artistic legacy that highlights the Isle of Man’s distinctive status as the world’s only whole nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Adam Morgan said: “We are very excited to be part of Manx wildlife Trust in this inaugural role of photographer in residence and look forward to working with the team to improve our knowledge and skills to photograph all the amazing wildlife we have on the Island and share that with the community." While Ciara added: “We feel that the creation of this position will have a very positive outcome for the Island, we hope our work will inspire people of all ages to enjoy and make content here as it is such a beautiful wild place, full of life. We want the Island to become a creative hub where people come to visit from all over the world to experience our stories and make their own."

The collective will explore the intricate relationship between nature and culture, creating pieces that not only showcase the Island's stunning landscapes but also inspire a sustainable future for the region. The residency will encourage public engagement with nature through photography, offering opportunities for communities to connect with the environment in innovative and meaningful ways.

Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, said: "‘We are delighted to support this exciting new photography initiative, which will play an important role in helping to promote the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere status. By showcasing the natural beauty and unique culture of the Isle of Man through the lens of talented creatives like Adam and Ciara, we can share our Island’s extraordinary story with the world and inspire others to explore and appreciate the exceptional environment of our whole Biosphere nation.”

Jacqui Keenan, Project Coordinator at UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, added: “We were so impressed with Ciara and Adam’s proposal, celebrating what makes our Island Biosphere so special through visual storytelling which brings together our unique nature, culture and heritage – we’re excited to see what they do during their residency.”

Graham Makepeace-Warne, Head of Engagement at MWT, commented: "We are thrilled to have Ciara and Adam on board for this residency. Their distinctive Celtic-inspired storytelling will bring a fresh and evocative perspective to the Isle of Man’s Biosphere, beautifully showcasing its landscapes and wildlife."

Ciara Hardisty and Adam Morgan’s proposed residency, titled “Nature as Your Muse: Portraiture and Wildlife Through the Celtic Wheel”, invites participants to step away from technology and immerse themselves in the Island’s wild landscapes. The project blends portraiture, self-portraiture, and wildlife photography, using the Celtic Wheel of the Year to guide participants through a journey of renewal, transformation, and connection with nature.

The creative duo aims to engage the Island’s communities through seasonal workshops, each designed to foster skills in portraiture, wildlife photography, and storytelling. These workshops will be complemented by a gallery exhibition at the end of the residency, showcasing the collective’s work along with standout participant contributions.

Through this residency, Hardisty and Morgan will also work closely with MWT to enhance their wildlife photography skills, drawing on expert knowledge to improve their understanding of local biodiversity and inspire others to respect and appreciate the natural world.

The residency will culminate in a short film, reflecting on the experiences and lessons learned throughout the project, further highlighting the continued value of this initiative for the Island’s future.