Manx Wildlife Trust update | Chamber Charity of year 2023-2025 | Sept 2024
03 September 2024
As she reaches the end of her year-long position as the 2023/4 Biosphere Artist in Residence, Ali Hodgson has designed a game that is creating an impact both in the Island and beyond. Since the project’s launch in May this year, Ali has played the game, titled REIMAGINING our Biosphere, with hundreds of residents in the Isle of Man, and the project is fast gaining international attention.
The aim of the ‘Biosphere Game’ is to help collectively reimagine our future in the Isle of Man if we placed nature at the heart of everything and took into account the whole human and ecological system (biosphere) that we are part of. Ali is now showcasing the results of the game’s first wave of release and celebrating the end of her residency through an exhibition and series of events running between the 16th and 21st of September. Ali is also bringing together leaders from sustainability, business and policy-making to explore our Island’s challenges and opportunities through the game.
The Biosphere Artist in Residence program, that has provided the platform for Ali to create this project, is a collaboration between Manx Wildlife Trust and UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council. It has the aim of engaging people of all ages and backgrounds to act for nature, through the medium of art.
Ali Hodgson, who describes the game as a ‘whole-system game for change’ has said: “I’m delighted with how the past year has gone, and thanks to Manx Wildlife Trust and the other residency partners, it has been fantastic to watch the impact that the game is having, both on the Island and beyond. Although I’m sad the residency is coming to a close, I’m excited about what’s next, including using the game with leaders of transformational change on international projects. I will be using the Isle of Man as a compelling case study.
At the end of the day, I am passionate about bringing people together to make a positive impact in the world, and games are a brilliant way to work with complex, challenging issues, and finding innovative ways to respond to our Climate and Biodiversity Crises.”
Graham Makepeace-Warne, MWT Head of Engagement said: “Collaborative projects like the UNESCO Biosphere Artist in Residence program enhances Manx Wildlife Trust's engagement efforts by providing unique, creative perspectives that help connect people more deeply with nature. By integrating art into our wider conservation work, we reach new audiences and inspire a broader appreciation for the Island's natural beauty and biodiversity.”
Key dates and information:
- Biosphere Artist in Residence Exhibition: 16th – 20th September, Ground Floor, Santander Work Café, Douglas
- Public drop-in REIMAGINING our Biosphere game session, 2:00-5:00pm, Wednesday 18th September (free and open to all), Ground Floor, Santander Work Café, Douglas
- Biosphere Builders: Creative Games for Change, 2:00-5:00pm, Saturday 21st September, Kerroo Brewing Co., Port Erin. For more information: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mwt/1337983
- For more information on Ali Hodgson, or the REIMAGINING our Biosphere game, visit: https://www.alihodgson.co.uk/biosphere-game