An arts, language and cultural organisation is putting its trust in the creative members of the local community during the period of restrictions.

Culture Vannin have launched ’Treisht2020’, a funding programme that aims to help established freelance artists to carry out projects during 2020.

’Treisht’, the Manx Gaelic word for trust, hope or confidence, is designed to appeal to artists, musicians, photographers, broadcasters and anyone with creative ideas and is open to applicants from today (Thursday).

One of the first people to benefit from the new source of funding is freelance documentary photographer Phil Kneen.

Phil embarked on capturing a series of photos of life around the Isle of Man during the lockdown period, and was approached by Culture Vannin to see if they could provide assistance in developing the visual archive.

So far Phil has produced a set of images that shows people practising social distancing on Ramsey beach, empty roads, deserted town centres and signs and displays showing support from behind closed doors.

Culture Vannin provide funding and support for Isle of Man-based artists and projects that reflect the Isle of Man’s heritage, history, language or culture.

The main source of funding comes from money that was destined to be used to help projects that have been forced to cancel due to the Covid restrictions.

Director Breesha Maddrell said: ’Our creative and cultural industries are incredibly important.

’We all rely on the talent and skill of freelancers and small companies to make the films and music we enjoy, to create the sound track to our lives, to generate the art which informs, reflects and brightens our existence.

’We have been working with our board to free up money from events which are now cancelled so that projects which will benefit Manx culture and our island community can be developed and delivered. ’Whilst we are not asking people to prove that they rely on freelance work, we are operating on a trust basis that those applying need paid projects such as these at this time.’

More details are available from culturevannin.im