This year’s residency will celebrate 2026 as the Year of the Manx Language, with Culture Vannin joining to provide support on Manx language and culture. It also marks ten years since the Isle of Man became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — the first entire nation in the world to achieve that status. The residency will highlight how the Island’s culture and nature are intertwined, and how the Manx language continues to shape the way people connect with place.

Alice Dudley was chosen for her ambitious, multidisciplinary proposal combining fine arts, music and community engagement. During her residency, Alice will focus on collaboration and connection, bringing together artists, writers, musicians and communities to explore the Manx landscape, language and stories through workshops, performances and exhibitions.

Her work is deeply inspired by the Island’s landscape and folklore, and her career has already earned recognition beyond the Isle of Man — she is a British Art Medal Society (BAMS) Award winner, has exhibited at the Royal Cornwall Museum, and was named a Tate St Ives Emerging Artist in 2021.

Her plans include a Collaborative Anthology, pairing artists from different disciplines to respond to one another’s work, and a Manx-language-inspired EP of original songs and visual artworks celebrating local stories and the Island’s natural beauty. She will also curate a series of events that bring artists and scientists together, encouraging creative exchanges between artists as well as between art and science.

Carmel Croukamp, Head of Engagement at Manx Wildlife Trust, said:

“Alice’s love for the Isle of Man shines through everything she does. She draws inspiration from our folklore and landscapes, and brings people together — artists, musicians, scientists and communities — to share ideas and celebrate what makes the Island unique. Her approach captures the spirit of the Biosphere Artist in Residence and shows how creativity and community can help us care for nature”. 

The Isle of Man Arts Council also welcomed the announcement. Martyn Cain, Arts Development Officer, said:

“Alice’s appointment as this year’s artist in residence with Manx Wildlife Trust is a fantastic pairing of talent and ambition. Following on from last year’s resident and as a Biosphere partner and champion of arts, culture and creativity for everyone, the Isle of Man Arts Council are excited to see the projects that Alice will curate with her nature and culture first creative process.”

The Year of the Manx Language connection is being supported by Culture Vannin.

Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin, commented:

“Language and culture are an important part of our Biosphere, connecting people with place. We know that Alice will explore these connections in ways that will delight and intrigue. This is a really exciting residency at exactly the right time as we prepare to celebrate Year of the Manx Language 2026 and our Biosphere status. Alice has the opportunity to hit people in the heart space with why the Manx language is so important for a shared sense of place and belonging.”

The Biosphere Artist in Residence is hosted by Manx Wildlife Trust, in partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Arts Council, and supported by Culture Vannin. The programme gives artists the opportunity to explore how creativity can strengthen people’s connection with nature, culture and community.

For updates on Alice’s residency and forthcoming events, follow Manx Wildlife Trust and Biosphere Isle of Man on social media, or visit www.mwt.im.