Arts Aid, the Isle of Man charity supporting exceptionally talented young people in the arts, is celebrating the success of its former recipients who are now making their mark on professional stages across the UK and beyond.

Christian Cooper received funding from Arts Aid throughout his training. He graduated last year and has been performing as Rolf in The Sound of Music, which is now underway at the Curve Theatre in Leicester, running until 17 January 2026.

“A massive thanks to Arts Aid for supporting me through my training and I hope to see some familiar faces at The Curve!”

Following the international tour of CATS in China last year, Ann-Marie Craine has joined the UK & Ireland tour of Miss Saigon, both as understudy to Ellen and also appearing in the ensemble of the acclaimed new production now playing in major theatres nationwide.

Ann-Marie said: “I’m incredibly grateful to Arts Aid for sponsoring me during my training at drama school. Their support gave me the chance to focus on my training and has made all the difference in helping me begin my journey as a working professional in the theatre. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their generosity and belief in my potential.”

Gracel delos Santos, who graduated from the LAMDA BA Professional Acting course earlier this year, has had a busy and exciting start to professional life. She recently performed in Love Me Tomorrow with the RyaKnots Theatre Company at the Bread and Roses Theatre in Clapham — a powerful two-hander exploring the breakdown of an interracial relationship, which received excellent reviews. Gracel is now rehearsing with the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, working as the movement cover for Dead Man Walking.

“We're about to have our cover run later today as I write this!” she shared. She added that she feels “incredibly lucky to have great agents, a flexible living situation, and ongoing opportunities — all supported by Arts Aid believing in my potential and helping me train at LAMDA”.

Photo of Gracel in the RyaKnots Theatre production of Love Me Tomorrow below

This year alone, Arts Aid has awarded £73,000 to Manx students pursuing professional training in music, drama, dance, fine art, photography and design. The charity looks forward to seeing these current students achieve success in the years ahead, whether on stage, in creative industries, or in a wide range of arts-based careers.

Chair of Arts Aid, Mark Denton, said: “It is inspiring to see how Arts Aid funding is helping students succeed. These Arts Aid success stories are proof of the talent that exists on the Isle of Man and the impact that support can make. Our donors and sponsors are enabling young performers to realise their ambitions and their achievements enrich both our Island and the wider cultural world.”

Arts Aid thanks its sponsors and supporters, including the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, J R Moore Charitable Trust, W H C Brien Musical Benefactor Trust, the Co-op Community Fund, ILS-World, Isle of Man Advertising, and Ramsey Crookall.

Applications for the academic year 2026/27 open in January.

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