Kate Jerry is one of a group of artists who run the Artreach studios, based at the Isle Gallery, situated Tynwald Mills. She tells iomtoday.co.im why she feels sponsorship for art projects is so important.

The arts play a huge and vital role in our lives and yet tends to be at the bottom of the list for funding in these ’difficult times’.

Which ever art discipline you prefer, as a form of self expression, visual art activity is proven to have huge benefits on our health and well being.

While we ponder over subject, materials and technique, we forget about the worries and stresses of everyday life.

Creativity is a human need and so it should be considered as important in our daily lives as exercise, or a balanced and healthy diet. Art appreciation is more than just a hobby. It opens up our mind and helps build community.

Art transforms the way we see things and helps us engage more fully with our inspiration and surroundings.

Artreach Studios was formed in 2015.

However since 2011, three other professional artists and myself have been involved in visual art initiatives which are helping to transform the way we view and engage with art on the Island.

We are dedicated to promoting the island’s artists with leading exhibitions, whilst encouraging more people of all ages, to engage with visual art.

We are now, through a strict application process about to begin our next big venture, by taking eight of the island’s leading artists to ’The Affordable Art Fair in Bristol’ in September.

Our greatest challenge, however, is to generate the sponsorship required for all it’s projects.

We’re lucky to have benefitted over the years from additional help from Tynwald Mills, the Isle of Man Arts Council, John Nicholson Foundation, NADFAS IOM, Old Mutual International, Culture Vannin and emergency funding for the Summer Children’s art workshops from Typhoon House and a number of private individuals.

Without this essential funding we would not have been unable to provide such a diverse range of activities and opportunities.

If you or your place of employment could possibly help with sponsorship or a one off donation, we would love to hear from you!

We urgently need help with funding the children’s art workshop, in order to keep prices as low and accessible, funding our artists through a range of exhibitions and off the island at the Affordable Art Fair, and funding our island’s musicians to help create a wonderful atmosphere and play at our exhibition openings.

If you can help, please get in touch with [email protected] or contact us through our website www.artreachiom.com