The Isle of Man Arts Council and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure are pleased to announce that 2014 will celebrate the Isle of Man as Island of Culture.
Island of Culture 2014 will be the largest cultural celebration in the history of the Isle of Man. Spread over twelve months, it will celebrate the large and varied artistic and cultural life we enjoy. 2014 will give everyone in the Isle of Man a chance to be part of our rich cultural life and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people.
Events during 2014 will be a chance for everyone to celebrate our Island of Culture through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts and literature, cultural festivals, film and digital innovation, and leave a lasting legacy for creativity and the arts on the Isle of Man.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said “The Arts Council has been planning Island of Culture for a number of years and we hope that the public will join us in 2014 for what will be a very special year. We’re working hard with the Department of Education and Children on a specific programme for young people and I am delighted to say that Island of Culture will be the focus for all schools from September this year. Island of Culture will be for everyone whether they take part in an event or enjoy it as part of the audience. We are very excited about 2014 and the legacy it will create for future years.”
The Isle of Man Arts Council will be working with key partners and sponsors to ensure that Island of Culture is a true and all inclusive celebration and opportunity.
In addition to the Arts Council’s existing grant scheme, arts and cultural organisations based on the Isle of Man can submit funding applications to the Arts Council for support to run arts/cultural programmes, events or activities in 2014. No matter whether they are large or small, the very best of these will be awarded Arts Council funding and the right to be labelled part of Island of Culture.
Joint Patrons of Island of Culture 2014 are Hon Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald and Mark Kermode, BBC Film Critic. Recent success stories Lloyd Mayor (lead dancer with the Martha Graham Company in New York) and Jason Evans (Principal Trumpet with the London Philharmonia) are Cultural Ambassadors representing the youth engagement programme that will form an important part of the Island of Culture.
The Arts Council hopes to enhance existing annual festivals and events with high profile special events including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Villa Marina and the British All Winners Play Festival at the Gaiety Theatre. In addition Island of Culture will recognise significant anniversaries in 2014 such as the 150th anniversary of the birth of Archibald Knox and the centenary of World War I.
For further information about Island of Culture, becoming a sponsor or applying for funding please contact the Arts Office, Department of Community, Culture and Leisure on 694598, or email islandofculture@gov.im . Visit www.islandofculture.im.
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