The Isle of Man Arts Council is pleased to open applications for its 2026/27 Domestic Travel Grants, making £100,000 available to support Manx resident artists, performers, musicians and groups who wish to participate, perform or exhibit at events, workshops, festivals and competitions across the UK and Ireland.
The grant covers the cost of standard travel to and from the Isle of Man, onward transport to the event destination, and standard overnight accommodation. Individual applicants may apply for up to £350 for a single trip, while groups of two or more can apply for up to £350 per person, subject to an overall cap of £5,000. Chaperones accompanying applicants under 18 or those requiring additional support are also eligible for the same level of funding.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and must be submitted online at least four weeks before travel is due to take place. Applicants are required to provide a creative CV, formal confirmation of their place at the event, evidence of costs, and a statement outlining how the funded activity will support their creative development and how the Council's support will be publicly acknowledged.
The fund is open to one approved trip per person per 12-month period (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027), and group applicants must submit a single application on behalf of all travelling members. Repeat applicants must have submitted an evaluation report for any previous award before a new application will be considered.
Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Mrs Sarah Maltby MHK, said: "The Isle of Man has an extraordinarily talented arts community, and it is important to us that they have every chance to showcase and develop that talent on a wider stage. With £100,000 available this year, we are committed to helping as many individuals and groups as possible make those journeys happen."
Applications for travel outside the UK and Ireland are not eligible for this fund and should instead be submitted as part of the general grants programme. Non-resident performers or exhibitors travelling to the Isle of Man may also apply for equivalent support.
The Isle of Man Arts Council notes that this is a competitive fund and reserves the right to limit the number of awards made within the year. Processing takes a minimum of four working weeks, with payment following receipt of funding documents taking a further three working weeks.
