Between March 2024 to March 2025, the Isle of Man Arts Council awarded 67 travel grants. Due to the overwhelming success of this funding stream, the criteria for applicants seeking funding for travel to and from the UK and ROI has been updated. Below are the funding requirements and FAQs for the Domestic Travel Fund effective from 1st April 2025.

Who can apply to the Isle of Man Arts Council Domestic Travel Fund

The Travel Fund will assist with the costs of travel and accommodation for Manx resident applicants who are aiming to participate, perform or exhibit in an event, workshop, festival or competition within the UK and Ireland only.

Non-resident applicants can also apply for the same assistance to perform or exhibit in the Isle of Man.

What is the purpose of the Travel Fund?

The Travel Fund is in place to support both participation and development in the arts and creative practice.

Applicants may apply to participate in their first application to the fund but future applications must prove appropriate practice/creative development.

When and how can I apply?

Applications must be made at least four weeks before travel is to take place unless extenuating circumstances can be evidenced.

At the time of application, travel may have been already booked, but must not yet have taken place.

We can’t accept multiple trips in one application.

Applications for group travel to the same event must be made as one application, and not as multiple applications from individual group members.

For repeat applications: At least 12 months must have passed since the return date of any travel that was previously funded.

What will the funding cover?

Applications can cover standard travel off island i.e. standard boat or plane fare, onward travel to destination (rail, coach, hire car etc) and standard overnight accommodation (i.e. 3 star).

What is not included in the funding?

The Travel Fund will not cover petrol, food costs, entry fees, insurances, boat cabins, lounge/seating upgrades and contingencies.

Students cannot apply for a travel grant to cover general travel to further/higher education interviews, auditions and academic courses. Travel to one-off workshops and summer schools could, however, be considered.

How much funding is available?

The Isle of Man Arts Council has currently ring-fenced £100,000 for the Travel Fund from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.

An individual can apply for up to £350.00 within any one application. A chaperone or travel assistant is also eligible to apply for the same amount.

Groups and organisations (2 or more people) are eligible to apply for up to £5,000 (using the same £350.00 limit per individual).

The Council will reserve the right to allocate a limited number of awards.

What do I need to provide and include in my application?

Applications must be submitted online via the Isle of Man Arts Council website: iomarts.com/funding

Within your application, you must include:

• A creative CV including proof of achievement/experience to date in the chosen art form;

• Formal evidence of an invitation by a host organisation or confirmation from the organising body of a place on a workshop, competition entry acceptance etc;

• Formal evidence of all costs requested within the application (screen shots are acceptable but must clearly show date of travel, number of travellers and cost);

• A statement detailing how Isle of Man Arts Council support will be publicly acknowledged and how the funded travel will be announced and marketed;

• Pitch to the Council stating why travel support is required and including an explanation of how off-island participation will support further creative development and how this differs from any current on-island provision.

Repeat applicants must have completed and submitted a project evaluation form for any previous award before applying once again to the fund.

Can I apply for international travel (outside the UK and Ireland)?

Applications for international travel should be submitted as a standard grant application with travel forming part of likely further costs. This is NOT a rolling fund and applications should be submitted to the general funding rounds. Travel must not have been undertaken at the time of application. You can find the applications closing dates and meeting dates HERE

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Applications can take up to three (3) working weeks to be assessed and a funding outcome to be given.

Successful applicants will then need to return funding documents before payment can be made via Isle of Man Government Treasury, which can take up to three (3) working weeks to be received.

For further information, please contact the Arts Development Team via email: iomartscouncil@gov.im or by telephone: 01624 694598