Culture Vannin funds collection of Manx-language stickers

An initial print run of 5,000 stickers will be distributed

The second in a series of creative projects celebrating Blein ny Gaelgey - the Year of the Manx Language - has launched.

In autumn last year, Culture Vannin awarded 30 small grants to local creators.

A colourful collection of Manx-language stickers designed by Alex King of Feeagh Studios, based in Laxey, is now available.

An initial print run of 5,000 stickers will be distributed free of charge to adult learners studying Manx with Culture Vannin, and at events throughout the Year of the Manx Language.

They will also be shared through local organisations working with children and young people, including:

• Yn Skimmee Gaelgagh, which provides Manx lessons in all of the Department of Education schools and supports more than 1,800 children each year.
• Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Island’s only Manx-medium primary school, based in St Johns, teaching pupils aged 4-11.
• Mooinjer Veggey, which supports families from the earliest years through primary education, with a nursery in St John’s and playgroups across the Island.

The project is said to offer 'a creative and practical way to increase the visibility of Manx in daily life, with wearable designs featuring phrases such as “Gaelg Aboo - Hurray for Manx” and “Yindyssagh - Wonderful"'.

Alex said: "When I was choosing the words and phrases for the stickers, I wanted them to be positive, encouraging and celebratory of Manx, as well as widely useful for lots of different situations.

"The Manx language is important to me because language makes up so much of our cultural identity, and it’s vital that we celebrate that. 

"Manx tells the story of our Island and offers an amazing connection to both past and present. 

"Although I’m not yet a fluent speaker, I always took every opportunity at school to learn, and I’d love to get back to it. In my work, I include Manx in my greetings-card range because it’s important that the language is visible and used in everyday life, just like English.”

Anyone wanting to purchase the stickers can also contact Alex directly via feeagh.studio@gmail.com