Island Artcast

On today's episode, Olivia sits down with POCIOM (People of Colour Isle of Man) members, Elsa and Haafizah to discuss racism on the Isle of Man and particularly, the importance of accepting, respecting and representing different cultures within the workplace. From their own experiences growing up on the Isle of Man to inherent biases, to what the workplace could do to encourage diverse representation.

This week is an Arts Council special! Olivia and her colleagues, Martyn and Grainney are all professional creatives and regularly navigate their jobs at the Arts Council alongside their second lives outside of work. On today’s show, Olivia and her guests come together to unpick what it means to “find your style” as a creative. From the search for inspiration to pushing your personality, to whether you can ever really find your niche on the never ending journey of making and creating.

Olivia is joined by two designers working under their own brands, Molly Wade and Alexandra Groover, to discuss sustainability in the fashion industry. It is no secret that the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world for both brands and consumers. Together, Olivia and her guests will unravel what is really going on with fast fashion and what social media is doing wrong when it comes to promoting eco-friendly trends, along with tips and tricks for listeners as to how you can shop sustainably.

Welcome to Part 2 of our Pride episodes! This June, we dedicated our 2 shows of the month to raising awareness about LGBTQ+ on the Isle of Man. In part one, Olivia sat down with Jenni Smith, Kara Varetto and Mathea Lace to talk about their experiences of growing up as LGBTQ+ on the Island and the strengths and struggles that came with that. In today's episode, the discussion continues and this time, Olivia and her guests discuss how creativity helped them explore their identity, find friends for life within the community and helped them all to deliver important messages about LGBTQ+ to the public and therefore spark challenging and progressive discussions.

Olivia is joined by 3 creatives who all identify within LGBTQ+: Jenni Smith, Kara Varetto and Mathea Lace and they have come on to share their experiences of growing up within LGBTQ+ on the Isle of Man. All 3 of my guests have been on challenging but empowering journeys that has brought them to where they are today and each story demonstrates an honest representation of where the Island has been both progressive and unaccepting when it comes to supporting LGBTQ+. This is a really special 2 part episode, where part 2 will be released later this month to address further how creativity can help a person explore their identity and can be used as a medium to reach out to and help others in need.

Olivia is joined by IOMAC’s very own member and entrepreneur, Jade Boylan and illustrator and one third of the collective “Nous Vous” Jay Cover. Jade is based on Island and Jay off Island and together, the two guests provide a compelling and honest debate about the similarities and differences of carrying out your career at “home” or in the UK.

In light of mental health awareness month, Olivia sits down with two Art Therapists, Fern Callister from Teapot Trust and Emily Harrison from Isle Listen to discuss Art and mental health. Together, they unpick the nature of what Art Therapy is, who can benefit from it as treatment and why it is such a rewarding career to have. From creating art to address emotional trauma in therapy sessions, to creating art as a release and a calming activity in someone’s spare time, there is such a wide range of ways that creating can be a healing method for the mind.

If you're struggling with your mental health and think this method of therapy could be helpful to you, get in touch with either charities that are here to help you. Details below:

Teapot Trust: https://www.teapot-trust.org/

Isle Listen: https://www.islelisten.im/

Welcome to today's episode, the business of creating! Olivia is joined by the lovely Kim, aka the one man band that operates the business "Silver Spoon Rings". Together, Olivia and Kim will unpick what it takes to run an independent business, selling the things you love to make. From gaining the confidence to take the start up plunge, to navigating and adapting your business through a pandemic, Kim has been through it all and is here to share his unique story with any listeners interested in learning more about him, or that are interested in starting up their own business.

Instagram: @Silverspoonrings

Website: https://www.silverspoonrings.co.uk/

Today on the show, Olivia is joined by 3 musicians whose music careers began on the Isle of Man; Dan Webb from the band Sunset Jet, Ben Donaldson from Voodoo Bandits and Lily Wolter from Penelope Isles. Together, Olivia and her guests will delve into the world of making it in the music industry. From finding an original sound to dealing with negative feedback and even rejection, these guys have been through it all and have joined together today to give an insight into their own journeys to success and shed some light on what to be aware of when making your stamp in the music industry. If you’re wanting to start your own band or solo career, then this is one you don’t want to miss!

Instagram handles for the bands below:

@sunset.jet

@voodoobandits

@penelopeisles