New stamps mark 60 years of Isle of Man Arts Council

The Isle of Man Arts Council was founded in 1965

A stamp collection showcasing a "snapshot" of the Isle of Man Arts Council's work has been created to mark the organisation's 60th anniversary.

The 10 stamps feature fields including sculpture, theatre, public and visual art, music, concerts, dance and exhibitions.

Established in 1965, the Arts Council aims to encourage Manx people to both enjoy the arts and promote the island's cultural and artistic identity.

Maxine Cannon, stamps and coins manager at Isle of Man Post Office, said the new collection "highlights the creativity and talent that make the Isle of Man's cultural scene so distinctive".

The series offered a "fitting tribute to the lasting impact of the Council's support for the arts", she said.

The collection features The Dancers sculpture that was inspired by a century of dancing at the island's Gaiety Theatre, as well as a giant illuminated model of the Earth called Gaia.

Isle of Man Arts Council chairwoman Sarah Maltby said her organisation had played a "significant role in the development of Manx arts and culture for 60 years".

She said she wanted it to continue to support creativity in the future and it was a "delight" to be able to "celebrate and showcase a snapshot of such diverse innovative work and talent".