In partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, the Isle of Man Arts Council are seeking creatives across the island to contribute artwork to a collaborative artists’ book, filled with creativity that embodies all things that make the Isle of Man special.

The book, which will be titled "Ellyn: A Tale of Contemporary Art" ("Ellyn" being the Manx word for "Art"), aims to celebrate and cherish the Isle of Man in the form of contemporary fine art. The Isle of Man Arts Council are looking for artists working in any medium to create a piece of work that responds to the theme of the Isle of Man and what this means to them.

Submissions must be in line with the brief and criteria which can be found on the Isle of Man Arts Council website here:

See the brief and criteria

In addition to the book, successful entrants will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in an island wide exhibition to accompany the launch of “ELLYN” for a duration of three weeks in September 2021 in the Villa Arcade. Artists will be given the opportunity at this point to sell their work at the exhibition or donate it to the Isle of Man Arts Council Modern and Contemporary Art Loan Collection.

Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Mrs. Marlene Maska MLC said:

“The Isle of Man Arts Council is delighted to launch this exciting project, which will provide a lasting legacy of our outstanding creative talent, celebrating our unique, beautiful and inspiring home.”

The project has been created and managed by the Arts Graduate Intern, Olivia Savage, who is working with the Arts Team for a year on a number of creative projects which celebrate the relationship between Biosphere and the Arts.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

“Our Biosphere celebrates our unique sense of place, one that has inspired generations of artists to tell its story creatively. This exciting new collaboration encourages contemporary artists to create works that demonstrate what the Isle of Man means to them today.”

All questions regarding the book, exhibition and submissions should be directed to Olivia Savage at olivia.savage@gov.im.

All submissions should also be sent to olivia.savage@gov.im via WeTransfer link by 2nd July 2021.