Arts Aid, the Isle of Man charity supporting exceptionally talented young people in the arts, has announced its 2025/26 awards, granting a total of £73,000 to 18 students. Since its formation in 2018, Arts Aid has awarded over £425,000 in funding to support the Island’s rising stars.

Now in its eighth year, the charity continues to advance education in the arts by enabling students from the Isle of Man to pursue studies in music, drama, dance, fine art, design and related disciplines at world-class institutions.

This year’s recipients are:

• Rosie Baxter (Bird College, Sidcup – BA (Hons) Musical Theatre)
• Millie Christian (PPA, Guildford – BA (Hons) Performance in MT)
• Sebastian Sgouraditis (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – BMus Vocal Performance)
• Ophelia Watts (Pembroke College, Cambridge – BA (Hons) Music)
• Daniel Lawrie (ArtsEd – BA (Hons) Acting)
• Hannah Kermode (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – BMus Performance)
• Grace Pope (PPA, Guildford – Foundation & BA (Hons) Performance in MT)
• Josie Laisney (University of Brighton – Fashion Design with Business Studies (W2N2))
• Anjali Morgan (University of Salford – BA (Hons) Photography)
• Josh Morrison (Northern School of Contemporary Dance – BA (Hons) Dance (Contemporary))
• Lucia Prince (Bath Spa University – BA (Hons) Fashion Design)
• Nick Forbes (Royal Central School of Speech & Drama – Experimental Arts & Performance)
• Sam Hills-Field (Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester – MA Music)
• Maeve Wilson (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – BA (Hons) Acting)
• Lula Thomas (Glasgow School of Art – BA (Hons) Fine Art - Painting & Printmaking)
• Annabel King (Newnham College, Cambridge – PGCE (secondary) Music)
• Joshua Mooney (The Hammond School, Chester – Level 6 Professional Diploma: Musical Theatre)
• Paulina Kurzydlowska (Manchester Metropolitan University – MA Fine Art)

Chairman Mark Denton said: “We are immensely proud to see so many young people from the Isle of Man excelling in the arts at the very highest level. The growth of Arts Aid demonstrates the generosity of our supporters and the ambition of our young people. These awards not only transform individual lives but also strengthen the cultural future of our Island.”

Millie Christian, currently in her final year of training, said: “Arts Aid made it possible for me to leave the Island and pursue my musical theatre training at PPA in Guildford. Their support has enabled me to purchase essential equipment and take full advantage of my studies. Aside from this, I am also grateful for the genuine encouragement and guidance they have provided along the way.”

The Board has also announced that Geoff Karran MBE TH, one of Arts Aid’s founding Directors will retire this year.

“We owe Geoff an enormous debt of gratitude. His wisdom, commitment, and passion for the arts have been central to Arts Aid’s success. He leaves an impressive legacy, and we thank him wholeheartedly for his service,” added Mark.

Arts Aid’s directors expressed thanks to sponsors and supporters including the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, the J R Moore Charitable Trust, the W H C Brien Musical Benefactor Trust, ILS-World, Isle of Man Advertising, and Ramsey Crookall.

Applications for the 2026 awards programme open in January. Applicants are invited to visit the website arts-aid.im for details of the funding process and deadline dates. When submitting applications, students should have already applied for a course at a suitable educational institution. However, when first applying it is not necessary to have a confirmed place.

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