Individuals and groups involved with creativity or culture are invited to share their talent with schools.
It’s part of the Island of Culture 2014, which will be the largest cultural celebration in the Isle of Man’s history.
Department of Education and Children Island of Culture adviser Jo Overty is building a database for head teachers to select from – so they can who is willing to offer what at their age range and in their areas.
Jo said: ‘We have had a good response to date.
‘But we would welcome more local individuals and groups, involved in creativity and culture, to share their time and talents with schools during Island of Culture 2014 and to go onto a database on our wiki, so schools can contact them.’
Island of Culture will be the focus for all schools from September this year.
Volunteers have already come forward in the categories of music, art, drama, photography, textiles, history, sciences, and visiting speakers.
They include film making workshops by Mannin Shorts, workshops with Sayle Gallery artists, and talks from the Isle of Man Home Guard Re-enactment Society.
Meanwhile, retired teachers Noreen and Stanley Atkinson have offered to give talks on life and education in Kenya and Cairo, where they have both taught.
And Korean chemistry teacher Minsum Ravitch is happy to share some of his country’s culture, as well as offer activity-based sessions on science.
The Isle of Man Arts Council and the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure announced the launch of Island of Culture in March.
Spread over 12 months, it will celebrate the artistic and cultural life we enjoy through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts and literature, cultural festivals, film and digital innovation. Everyone will have a chance to be part of our rich cultural life and inspire creativity, especially among young people.
In addition to the Arts Council’s existing grant scheme, island-based arts and cultural organisations can submit funding applications for support to run arts/cultural programmes, events or activities in 2014.
The very best of these will be awarded Arts Council funding and the right to be labelled part of Island of Culture.
Anyone interested in sharing their talent with schools should call Jo Overty on 686080 or email jo.overty@doe.gov.im
For more information go to www2.sch.im/groups/decislandofculture2014/ and www.islandofculture.im/