Each year the Trustees of Mike Howley Trust welcome young Island creatives to apply for up to £1,500 to help them realise their artistic ambitions, and the 2024 round is now open! 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, it can be used towards training, coaching, recording, rehearsal space, staging, publishing, instruments, equipment, and more.

Please note that funds must be used within 4 months from the award being made, so projects and a report must be completed by December 31st 2024.

Examples of past Mike Howley Trust awards include:
– 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 used her grant towards venue hire, a speaker, creating a 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.

If you would like to discuss your ideas or get advice before applying, Quay Arts will be hosting an information day on Tuesday 28th May. There’s a drop-in from 10am – 12pm or you can book an appointment between 12pm – 1pm by emailing artsteam@quayarts.org.

Applications will close at midnight on June 16th, and awards will be announced on July 5th. For funding information and application guidelines, please visit the Quay Arts website www.quayarts.org/mike-howley-trust-funding-2024/. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the team at Quay Arts as they are here to help, please feel free to email i.whitmore@quayarts.org with any questions you may have.