Every year the Trustees of Mike Howley Trust invite young Island creatives to apply for up to £1,500 to help them realise their artistic ambitions. Funds are available for those involved in dance, theatre (including film/video), music, and writing.

This funding is available for 18-30-year-olds on the Isle of Wight who want to develop their skills, with awards of £500, £1000, and £1,500 available. Funding may be used towards training, coaching, recording, rehearsal space, staging, publishing, purchasing instruments/equipment, research trips, and more!

Please note that funds must be used within 4 months from the award being made, so projects, purchases, and a report must be completed by Sunday 31st August 2025.

Examples of previously awarded Mike Howley Trust applicants have included:
-A creative writer received funds for courses exploring writing and illustrating children’s books.
-A musician received funds to help develop, mix, and re-master tracks for an album.
-A dancer/choreographer received funds for 1-to-1 specialist training.
-A filmmaker received funds towards pre-production costs.

“The support from Mike Howley has given me the time, space and resources to be able to choreograph and develop my creative practice. I’d urge any young creatives to take up this offer!”

Quote from Lily George; previous award recipient.

Lily’s Grant was spent on Venue hire, speaker, creating the soundtrack, choreography time, and mentoring for ‘Ad Astra’ (by Shademakers UK). To see how this grant influenced the Ad Astra project, please visit their website www.shademakersuk.org/ad-astra

Please note that the application portal will close Monday 17th February 11:59pm, then awards will be announced Monday 24th February

For funding information and application guidelines, please visit the Quay Arts website using the link below:
www.quayarts.org/mike-howley-trust-funding/

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Arts Team, they’re here to help!
Feel free to email the Arts Team artsteam@quayarts.org