The Isle of Man Arts Council has today opened applications for its new Community Participation fund, offering grants of up to £2,000 to creative practitioners who want to run workshops or collaborative projects working with or for community groups across the Isle of Man.

The fund is open to creatives working in all artforms and is designed to encourage projects involving a group of at least six people. An element of ‘something new’ is also a requirement, be that that a new creative process, a new technology, or a new partnership between applicants and other collaborators.

Applicants should apply under one of three themes.

The first, Blein ny Gaelgey, forms part of Year of the Manx Language and invites musicians, dancers, muralists, filmmakers, designers, actors, writers and other creatives to develop projects with a connection to the Manx language, to be delivered alongside Culture Vannin as part of the Manx Day Out celebrations in Douglas on or around Saturday 24th October 2026.

The second theme, Wellbeing and Connection, welcomes proposals that will help, support or connect people through a creative activity. Perhaps you’re a sculptor that wants to create multi-sensory artworks for people with disabilities or you want to create a sense of community by holding a mini-festival with your neighbours in your garden or street? Proposals for this theme need to be delivered before 31st March 2027.

The third theme, Social Prescribing, is being run in partnership with the Department of Public Health and will enable creative sessions for patients in the north to be prescribed via their GP. People experiencing isolation, reduced confidence or life transitions such as retirement or bereavement are the people that will benefit most from these sessions and applicants should consider how they will address this in their application.

Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Mrs Sarah Maltby MHK, said: “This fund is all about putting creativity in the hands of our communities. We know that some of the most meaningful arts experiences happen at a local level, led by practitioners who understand their community and want to try something new with them. We want to back ideas that bring people together through the arts and I'd encourage any local creative practitioners with an idea for their community to apply.”

Applications from individuals and groups are now open, with successful applicants receiving support and guidance from the Arts Development Team, including on areas such as risk assessment, safeguarding and public liability insurance. Grants can cover costs including artist time, equipment, venue hire, materials and insurance.

Applications for Blein ny Gaelgey close on Friday 1st September 2026.

The Wellbeing and Connection programme is open for applications until Friday 1st January 2027, with projects to be completed by 31st March 2027.

The Social Prescribing programme is ongoing until further notice, with plans to extend to other areas of the island following trials in the north.

Full details and link to the online application are available on the Isle of Man Arts Council website - https://iomarts.com/funding