Diversity Champion 2022

We were honoured to be announced as the Diversity Champion in Media Isle of Man Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence 2022, sponsored by Bally’s Interactive.

This award identifies an individual, organisation or not-for-profit that is proud to say that they are diverse and forward-thinking in terms of policy and strategy towards equality. It is given to those who encourage uncomfortable conversations, who are constantly challenging the status quo and believe in a brighter future for all. Diversity Champions are important to the Isle of Man because they are role models for inclusion. They are the people taking action to ensure inclusion and diversity objectives are achieved: they are making inclusion an everyday reality.

At KA, our mission is to deliver a provision for arts in the community across the creative spectrum and to all people regardless of age, gender, class, race or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive and welcoming safe space and are proud to be so. 

We hosted the island’s first Youth Pride in 2020 organised by members of the LGBT+ community and the Isle of Man Youth Service, in partnership with Isle of Pride. More than 200 young people attended and it was an incredibly fun, beautiful and powerful event. Youth Pride also took place in December 2022 to great success.

Our ‘Schools OUT’ event took place in February 2022 for LGBTQ+ History Month. The Queer Artisan Market brought together thirty queer creators and businesses, in an event that was first of it’s kind.

Art Tank participants designed and created a timeline of LGBT+ history, and themed wax lanterns. The evening program included local drag queens and SoundCheck bands performing, introduced by queer poets.
In Summer 2022 we co-curated a pop-up museum display with Manx National Heritage and the support of Isle of Pride and the island’s queer community.

The exhibition went back to when Alan Shea protested on Tynwald Day in 1991 – his actions were key to the decriminalisation of homosexuality.  Alan’s protest outfit, materials and archive are a permanent acquisition of Manx National Heritage archives due to the significance in history for the Island. Our Island’s queer community were invited to loan treasured objects that signified their own unique queer journey to celebrate where we are as an Island today and work towards a more inclusive island for the future.

Through this work we were able to meet inspiring young people who were keen to share objects that signify and celebrate their journey.

Just because we’ve come a long way, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a long journey ahead. Despite the positive strides society has made, visibility and representation are still huge issues that very much affect the mental health of queer people, particularly young people who identify as non-binary or trans. We are proud to be a diverse champion for this community.

We’d like to dedicate this award to our dedicated team of arts staff who work every day to support and develop creative talent on our island. Thank you!