After receiving an invite to visit the Isle of Man to get a better idea of what their arts scene has to offer , I couldn’t refuse! On Monday 8thAugust, I made my way to the Island via the Isle of Man Steam Packet Ferry Company where I was greeted by Erin, a member of the Locate Isle of Man team.
Surrounded by the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is an island nation with a population of just over 80,000 people. With early inhabitants settling before 6500BC, the island celebrates its Manx heritage, which is a mixture of Norse, Gaelic and English Influences. Anyone familiar with the motor cycle racing calendar will know that the Isle of Man is renowned for its TT or Tourist Trophy tournament which witnesses the local streets transformed into a real life racing track. The island has also been awarded ‘biosphere reserve status’ by UNESCO, demonstrating the island’s strong ethos of ensuring a balanced relationship between people and nature
Seeing as my stay was a short one, I had a packed itinerary starting off with a brief tour on Tuesday 9th August of the Island where I was given a brief tour of Douglas, the island’s capital by Abi of Locate Isle of Man, where I passed the scenic Port Erin which offers a wide range of water sports to part take in and offering a great way to enjoy the glorious weather! Bradda Head, most commonly known as Erin Port Castle located on the cliffs of Port Erin which can be seen at a distance is a fascinating landmark to be explored if you wish to. Remains of Castle Rushen, also a great stop off point if you wish to take in the island’s medieval history.
I then went on to meet Head of Culture and Arts Emma Callin and Arts Development Manager Jane Corkill at the Arts Council, who both informed me of the Island’s community spirit, the arts buildings that shape what theatre looks like and The National Strategy – a six point agenda consisting of 6 key points that tie the Island’s traditional Manx heritage with a future focused, progressive outlook. Both charismatic in their outlook and enthusiastic in where they see the island’s art’s life moving forward, the meeting was an inspiring one!
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