Manx Arts Development (Department of Community, Culture and Leisure) and the Family Library have combined forces and launched a new scheme for children and young people in 2013. ‘Try Something New’ provides the opportunity to try different creative activities with local professional artists and practitioners teaching varying art forms.
 
On 26th January, there will be an ‘Alice In Wonderland’ costume design workshop at the library for 8 to 12 year olds run by Calum Harvey, who has recently returned to the Island after working at major fashion house Burberry. Calum set up the Calum Harvey Design Studio in Laxey last year and will be exhibiting his latest collection of women’s wear at the Ronaldsway Airport Atrium later this month. Future ‘Try Something New’ activities will include creative writing, jewellery making, dance and animation.
 
Mary Cousins, Librarian in Charge at the Family Library said “Emma and I are really excited about Try Something New and providing opportunities for young people to explore their creativity. We’ve always had a lot of craft and art activities at the library and know our members and visitors want and enjoy new challenges. These workshops and other events planned for the library this year will give lots of young people great inspiration and plenty of fun.”
 
Emma Callin, Community and Arts Development Manager said “Whilst we have a large creative community on the Isle of Man, it is not always easy for young people to find what they are good at. This scheme aims to provide opportunities for children to have a go at things that perhaps they have never tried before, as well as drawing on the experience of the talented artists who live and work in the Island.”
 
For information or booking a place on the Costume Design workshop contact the Family Library tel: 640650 or email: info@familylibary.im.
 
For further information about Try Something New sessions or if you are an artist or creative practitioner interested in providing a workshop, contact Manx Arts Development tel: 694598 or email: jan.cowan@gov.im.