The Isle of Man Arts Council is delighted to announce that award-winning Douglas-based author Chris Ewan will become Isle of Man Writer in Residence as part the Arts Council’s youth engagement programme during Island of Culture 2014. Throughout the 2013/2014 academic year, Chris will run writing workshops in up to fifteen Island primary schools geared towards pupils in Years 5 and 6 writing short stories based on a Manx theme.
The Writer in Residence Scheme will encourage the young people of the Island to enjoy and participate in the literary arts. The scheme will enhance basic literacy skills and fire sustained enthusiasm for reading and writing among the Island’s school children.
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.
Geoff Corkish MLC, Chairman of the Arts Council said: “We’re delighted to have secured such a successful author as Chris to work with our primary school children during Island of Culture. We place great importance on literature, not only as an art form, but also as a cornerstone of education and creativity. The Arts Council are thrilled that we can include this project in our youth engagement programme and provide a lasting legacy for the children involved.”
Chris Ewan said “I'm very excited to be taking on the role of Writer in Residence in Isle of Man schools as part of Island of Culture 2014. My own writing career was kick-started when I was selected to participate in a residential course for young writers as a teenager, so I know at firsthand how valuable this kind of experience can be. I'm looking forward to helping to inspire the next generation of writers on the Isle of Man. I'd like to thank the Isle of Man Arts Council and the Department of Education and Children for their support and enthusiasm, without which this exciting scheme wouldn't exist."
For more information about Island of Culture 2014 visit www.islandofculture.im or contact the Arts Council on Tel: 694598 or email: iomartscouncil@gov.im
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