People with an interest in the arts are being invited to serve on the Isle of Man Arts Council.
 
The Department of Education and Children (DEC) is advertising for members to serve for a four-year period from January 2015.
 
The Arts Council is an advisory board to the DEC and consists of eight members, chaired by Geoff Corkish MBE, MLC. Its role is ‘developing and improving knowledge, understanding, practice and access to the arts in all its forms’.
 
Members, who are unpaid, serve a four-year period following selection and can serve a maximum of eight years.
 
Mr Corkish said: ‘We are looking for people with experience in, or an appreciation of, an art form or area of operation and a commitment to developing arts.’
 
He said: ‘This year has seen us celebrating Island of Culture 2014 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, literature, festivals, film and digital innovation.
 
‘New members will support the Arts Council’s commitment to ensure Island of Culture 2014 leaves a lasting legacy for creativity in the Isle of Man.
 
‘This will further raise the profile of the Island internationally and bring economic benefits by making it more attractive to visitors and investors.
 
‘Next year will also see the publication of a new Arts Strategic Plan, which will provide a long-term vision for arts and will describe how the Arts Council will contribute to building a sustainable future for our Island.’
 
For more information on the Arts Council, visit www.iomarts.com.

To obtain information about the vacancies/an application form, contact Jan Cowan at the DEC, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5EZ, ring 01624 694596 or email jan.cowan@gov.im.
 
The deadline for applications is 19th December 2014.
 
Mr Corkish said: ‘I’d like to thank retiring members for giving up their time voluntarily to boost arts in the Isle of Man.’