After eight years dedicated service, Ernie Thorn retired from the Arts Council on Friday 7 September 2012.
 
Ernie is a well known and respected figure in the local music community. He has performed on stage for many years and is treasurer of the Manx Music Festival. He also presents the Opera Hour on Manx Radio. He memorably played Jesus Christ in the Manx Operatic Society’s 1986 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and recently performed the song ‘Gethsemane’ from the show at The Best of The Best of the Manx Musicals at the Villa Marina.
 
Ernie joined the Arts Council in 2004 and has given a lot of time to the development and support of arts on the Isle of Man. Membership of the Arts Council is voluntary. Members give their time freely to serve the people of the Isle of Man by developing and improving the knowledge, understanding, practice and access to the arts in all its forms. The Arts Council is a sponsored body of the Department of the Community, Culture and Leisure and receives its funding from the betting tax income received from the sales of lottery tickets.
 
Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said ‘We congratulate Ernie on his long and valued service to the Arts Council. He has served the Manx public with dedication and expertise and we have benefitted greatly from his artistic knowledge and business background. On behalf of the Arts Council I thank Ernie for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.’
 
Ernie Thorn was presented with a framed print by Colleen Corlett of the Villa Marina and Harris Promenade in recognition of his service to the Arts Council.
 
For further information about the Isle of Man Arts Council visit www.iomarts.com.