'Being Biosphere artist deepens my link to nature'

Alice Dudley has been named as the next Biosphere Artist in Residence

Musician and visual artist Alice Dudley has said becoming Manx Wildlife Trust's new Biosphere Artist in Residence felt like a "natural next step" for her.

Dudley has become the fourth person to take on the year-long role, which aims to connect new audiences to the island's natural heritage through art.

The songwriter, who has a particular interest in folklore and nature, said she wanted to explore the "intersection between culture and nature" while in post.

"I wanted to deepen my own connection with nature but also hopefully encourage others to do the same," she added.

Dudley said she hoped to run a series of outdoor workshops covering various art disciplines, music, poetry and creative writing across the next year.

"I have been feeling really inspired by Manx folklore, our language and our stories, so it is tying together the idea of sense of place with folklore and how nature connects to everything that we do," she added.

Visual artist Alice Dudley is hoping to run a series of outdoor workshops on the island

The indie-folk musician said a core part of her residency would be about creating a concept album, which would take inspiration from Manx folklore and nature.

She said she also wanted to create a book in which artists directly respond to each other's paintings, poems, lyrics and stories.

The artist in residence post was created in conjunction with Biosphere Isle of Man and is funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

According to its website, Biosphere Isle of Man, which was designated in 2016, "encompasses the entire island and its territorial seas", and recognises the island's "natural beauty and biodiversity, unique culture and heritage, resilient economy and... community who care deeply, working together to create a sustainable future for all".

Dudley, who has succeeded sound therapist Amy Howse, will hold the position until October 2026.

The post has also been held by illustrator Ali Hodgson and painter Clare Payne.