The Isle of Man Arts Council’s new website will promote the Island’s cultural wealth to a wide audience, says the organisation’s chairman.
Geoff Corkish MBE MLC said:
‘Taking pride in our culture and increasing participation in cultural activities are key objectives of the Government’s Agenda for Change.
‘The Island has a vibrant arts scene, with many people involved in music, drama, dance, writing, painting, drawing, photography and other activities.
‘The new website – www.iomarts.com – draws together all that’s happening locally and is a hub of information while reaching further afield and promoting the Isle of Man.’
Information on eligibility for/how to apply for funding is featured, along with information on the creative industries and available business support.
As well as reading the latest news, the public can contribute events to a What’s On Where page and seek out hobbies and activities via a Get Involved section.
‘It has been a long-held ambition of the Arts Council to hold a directory of local artists, creative practitioners, groups and organisations online and this is a feature of the website,’
Mr Corkish said.
Artists who wish to be included should submit information, contact details and a photo using the contacts button on the website, via the Arts Council Isle of Man Facebook page or by email to iomartscouncil@gov.im
Event information can be submitted the same way.
Visitors to the website can view every picture in the Arts Council’s Contemporary Art Loan Collection, which is hung in schools and public buildings.
Comprising more than 300 originals and prints, the collection was founded by David Fletcher when he was an Arts Council member with the purpose of giving the public access to contemporary art.
The website has links to all the Island’s major arts venues.
‘The site is a great step forward in communicating just how much there is to do, culturally, in the Isle of Man, what talent we have and how people can get involved,’ Mr Corkish said.
