Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) are thrilled to announce the appointment of Island based graphic artist, Ali Hodgson, as the second Biosphere Artist in Residence. The yearlong post, in partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and funded by Isle of Man Arts Council, started at the beginning of September. It is hoped the residency will continue the great work of the inaugural Artist in Residence, Clare Payne, who completed her residency earlier this year. The post aims to connect new audiences with Manx nature, through the medium of art and to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our culture and the arts, as well as inspiring them to act for Manx nature.
MWT are thrilled to announce the appointment of Island based graphic artist, Ali Hodgson, as the second Biosphere Artist in Residence.
The Isle of Man enjoys a reputation as one that cares and has a conscience for the unique culture, heritage, and community of its past and present. Few other places can identify such a clear and intimate connection between its society, environment, and economy. The landscape and seascape of the Island is an inspiration to its creative communities and treasured by residents and visitors alike. The Biosphere Artist in Residence programme brings together the vision of a sustainable future for Ellan Vannin by bringing people closer to nature and promoting our unique Manx culture and distinctiveness as central to the Island’s image both nationally and internationally.
MWT are seeking local businesses to support, and provide homes for, art projects created as part of this residency. Potential sponsors and interested parties should contact MWT on enquiries@mwt.im It is hoped that the Artist in Residence post will create a lasting legacy of art as a celebration of the Island’s rich and important species and habitats.
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, and Vice-Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, said:
“The Artist in Residence is a great way to reach and engage new audiences on issues facing the natural world. I wish Ali well for the year ahead and I hope her design skills will encourage more people to connect with, care for and act for nature in our UNESCO Biosphere. Thank you to Manx Wildlife Trust and the Isle of Man Arts Council.”
Jane Corkhill, Arts Development Manager at The Isle of Man Arts Council said:
“The Isle of Man Arts Council is delighted to once again support the Manx Wildlife Trust Biosphere Artist in Residence, recognising the importance of art as a tool to communicate, understand and celebrate the world around us. We are looking forward to Ali’s year in post, and hope that the committed 3 year funding will ensure the longevity and growth of this unique and vital role in our Biosphere.”
Ali Hodgson, MWT Artist in Residence said:
“It’s a real privilege to be selected as the next Biosphere Artist in Residence. For me, it brings together so many aspects of my practice, bridging my background as both an illustrator and a communication designer rooted in social and ecological design principles.
I want to use the residency as an opportunity to take our Island’s movement towards sustainability beyond its current cultural and economic narrative, exploring and introducing some of the principles of ‘regenerative culture’ with a specific focus on our unique flora and fauna and their interconnections with each other and ourselves. We have lots of plans for the coming year so watch this space!”
Leigh Morris, MWT CEO said:
“We are delighted that Ali is joining us as the second MWT Biosphere Artist in Residence. Clare Payne was fantastic as our first Artist in Residence, and, with three more years of funding secured from IOM Arts Council, we are looking forward to this role becoming a core way that we engage with audiences about Manx nature. Each artist will be able to use their residency in a different way, and I am very much looking forward to seeing how Ali will deliver her role in order to bring art, nature and IOM people closer together.”