New Biosphere Artist in Residence Sought

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) is looking for their third Biosphere Artist in Residence, to help connect new audiences to nature.

Working with Biosphere Isle of Man 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.

Art is so much more than something to look at. It connects and engages people to their surroundings and triggers conversations, inspiring change through provoking thoughts, and highlighting social and environmental issues through various mediums.

Clare Payne was the first Biosphere Artist in Residence, and Ali Hodgson is coming to the end of the current residency. Both have done a fantastic job and delivered wonderful work and long lasting initiatives that have connected new audiences to Manx nature and the Biosphere, proving that the role not only communicates the beauty of nature, but also inspires its preservation.

The aim of the residency is to enable more people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and champion our culture and the arts, as well as encouraging them to act positively for Manx nature.

The funding will support one artist, or an art collective, to develop their community-focussed and socially-engaged practice on the Island over one year, with opportunities to deliver physical and/or digital interventions across the Island.

This advert features work by current Biosphere Artist in Residence, Ali Hodgson.

What you receive as Artist in Residence:

• Title of Biosphere Artist in Residence for 2024/2025
• Stipend £6000
• £4,000 materials budget
• Be part of the MWT team – working with existing staff and volunteers
• Opportunity to engage wider audiences in the Island about art and Manx nature
• Opportunity to create a legacy, with artwork 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 art
• Digital Engagement: a webpage/website, social media and a blog by the artist

A full artistic brief and further information about the role can be found by clicking here. 

Applications to be sent to Graham Makepeace-Warne, Head of Engagement at MWT: Graham@mwt.im and be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 25th August 2024.

Hero image: Ali Hodgson's REIMAGINING our Biosphere game being played. Photo by Amoré du Plessis.