A colourful new mural celebrating the Manx language and school values has been unveiled at Foxdale Primary School as part of the Year of the Manx Language 2026.

Created by Isle of Man artist Kate Summerville, the artwork covers a large wall beside the school’s playground and is designed to bring positivity to pupils and the wider community.

Funded through a special grant from Culture Vannin, the mural features a vibrant green landscape, with a river flowing from a waterfall beneath the Manx name for Foxdale, ‘Forsdal’.

Derived from Old Norse, the name translates as ‘Waterfall Valley’.

Four white clouds float above the landscape, each displaying one of the school’s core values in Manx: Ammys (respect), Kenjalys (kindness), Ynrickys (honesty) and Treisht (trust).

Carl Clague, deputy head teacher at Foxdale School, said the project was an opportunity to celebrate the island’s culture and make an impact within the community.

‘It being the Year of the Manx Language, we were looking to make some impact for the community and to reflect our culture.’

‘We have been absolutely delighted with Kate’s mural, which is absolutely something that both the school and the community can be really proud of.’

A film released by Culture Vannin features pupils Anya, Conal and Genesis sharing their thoughts on the artwork.

The children spoke about how its bright colours made them feel happy, while also highlighting how the mural helps them connect with the Manx language and reminds them of the values they should follow both in and out of school.

Ms Summerville said public art could have a positive effect on people's wellbeing, particularly within educational settings.

She said: ‘I think it is really important for children to experience art and to see artists in real life, there is a lot of evidence that public art in a community is hugely beneficial to our mental health and it is very much the same in schools – it lifts people’s moods, it makes people feel happy, and it gets kids talking together.’

The mural forms part of Blein ny Gaelgey – Year of the Manx Language 2026, a year-long celebration aimed at encouraging people across the island to engage with the language and its cultural significance.

While major initiatives have attracted attention, including the ‘Mind Your Language’ exhibition at the Manx Museum and the Manx Passport scheme, Culture Vannin said smaller community projects can also have a lasting impact.

Jacob O’Sullivan, a Culture Vannin board member, said the language was an important part of the island’s shared heritage.

‘The Manx language is one of the island’s treasures, which enriches us all, regardless of whether we speak it or not.’

‘Blein ny Gaelgey has given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that, and it has been yindyssagh (wonderful) that places like Foxdale School were so on board to make the most of it and make a difference for their community.’

The mural can be seen from Mines Road in Upper Foxdale. The film featuring the artwork and pupils’ reactions is available on the Culture Vannin website.

More information about Culture Vannin’s grants programme is available at culturevannin.im.