The Isle of Man Arts Council is pleased to welcome two new members, Alan Jackson and John Quirk.
 
Alan Jackson is an award-winning BBC Senior Producer-Presenter who has returned home to the island after a distinguished time with the BBC’s most successful regional station, Radio Merseyside. His career with the BBC has spanned more than 25 years during which time Alan received plaudits for his work in news, current affairs, entertainment and sport. His vast experience includes interviews with HRH Prince Charles and Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher as well as numerous personalities from the world of show business including Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard. Alan became Programme Director and Head of Music at Manx Radio before being invited to join the BBC, leaving behind his famous ‘Jollybodies’.
 
John Quirk is Director of Media for Isle of Man Advertising & PR and Festival Director for Manx Litfest, which was staged for the first time in September 2012. Formerly a newspaper journalist in Lancashire and the Isle of Man, John continues to write as a freelance and has also written two books - The Manx Connection, which saw him visit Manx societies around the world; and The Manx Giant: The Amazing Story of Arthur Caley. John is in the process of establishing a small publishing house, Nemesis Publishing, which will focus mainly on e-books.
 
Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said ‘I am delighted to welcome Alan and John onto the Arts Council. Both bring valuable knowledge and experience to the Council and will be a positive asset as the Arts Council moves forward with its strategy and priorities for the arts on the Isle of Man.’  
 
Both new members attended their first meetings this month and will serve on the Arts Council for a four year term. Membership of the Arts Council is voluntary. Members give their time freely to serve the people of the Isle of Man by developing and improving the knowledge, understanding, practice and access to the arts in all its forms. The Arts Council is a sponsored body of the Department of the Community, Culture and Leisure and receives its funding from the betting tax income received from the sales of lottery tickets.
 
Alan Jackson and John Quirk replace Ernie Thorn and Jonathan Gollow. The Arts Council thank both Ernie and Jonathan for their dedicated service.
 
For further information about the Isle of Man Arts Council visit www.iomarts.com.