The Isle of Man Arts Council and the Department of Education and Children are seeking people working in the creative industries to visit their old secondary school to inspire and encourage others who may aspire to work in the arts or cultural sectors.
In April the Isle of Man Arts Council announced that during 2014 it will be celebrating the Isle of Man as Island of Culture. 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.
The Arts Council is working with the Department of Education and Children to plan specific activities for children and young people during 2014. The Department of Education and Children has agreed to make Island of Culture the focus for schools from September 2013 to July 2014 and a programme of events is being planned.
The Arts Council is seeking people who were educated on the Isle of Man and who now work within the creative industries. We would like to find past pupils who would be interested in returning to the school they attended on the Isle of Man to share their knowledge and experience with students who may be seeking a similar career path.
Governments and creative sectors across the world are increasingly recognising the importance of this industry as a generator of jobs, wealth and cultural engagement. This is an important part of what the Arts Council hopes to achieve on the Isle of Man with Island of Culture.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said: “On the Isle of Man we have a huge number of young people involved in the arts, whether through school or outside groups. We’re seeing increasing numbers of people choosing a cultural career path and one of the best ways we can help them is to give them the benefit of the experience of others. We are very keen to get past pupils back in their old schools to inspire current students, share how they achieved their own creative careers and the invaluable lessons they learnt along the way.”
If you would like to get involved contact the Arts Council on Tel: (01624) 694598 or email iomartscouncil@gov.im. For more information about Island of Culture 2014 visit www.islandofculture.im or use the contact details above.
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