New Biosphere Artist in Residence announced

Sonic artist Amy Howse takes over from Ali Hodgson

The Manx Wildlife Trust has announced its third Biosphere Artist in Residence. 

The post is a year-long role, developed in partnership with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, and funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Sonic artist Amy Howse uses sound to ‘deepen our connection with nature in a way that both complements and differs from traditional visual art forms’. 

She takes over from previous artists Clare Payne and Ali Hodgson with a focus on connecting new audiences to the Island’s rich natural heritage through the medium of art. 

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to begin this residency with Manx Wildlife Trust; using the transformative power of sound to deepen people’s connection with the natural world is truly a dream come true for me. 

“It is an honour to collaborate with Manx Wildlife Trust, and UNESCO Biosphere, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Isle of Man Arts Council for their generous support in making this vision a reality.”

MWT Chief Executive Leigh Morris said: “It’s wonderful that Amy has become our third artist in residence and that this is now becoming a part of the Manx culture. 

“I sat next to Amy at a mental health first aid course in January, this year, I was very impressed with her and hoped we might get the opportunity to collaborate with her on future sound projects. 

“Subsequently Amy applied and was selected to be our next artist in residence and so I’m now very much looking forward to seeing (and hearing!) how Amy takes the residency forward.”

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber, and Vice-Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, added: “I am delighted to see the Biosphere Artist in Residence programme thriving. 

“This partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust and the Isle of Man Arts Council not only highlights the importance of protecting our environment but also demonstrates how art, in its many forms, can contribute to building a sustainable and resilient future for our community.

“I am sure that Amy’s work will bring a fresh perspective, using the power of sound to connect people with the environment in exciting and thought-provoking ways. 

“Her work allows individuals to experience the richness of our biodiversity through soundscapes and audio art that engages the senses in a manner that other creative outlets cannot.”