March 28, 2017

New arts and culture network aims to deliver new opportunities for creative Cumbrians.
Cumbria County Council and Cumbria CVS, together with various arts and cultural organisations from around Cumbria have developed a new network to share best practice, increase collaborative working and showcase the fantastic artistic and cultural activity that goes on all over Cumbria.

Eventually, it is hoped this network will become the Cumbria chapter of the national ‘What Next’ cultural movement – bringing together arts and cultural organisations from across the UK to articulate, champion and strengthen the role of culture in our society.

Whilst it is important that non-profit and cultural organisations, together with individual artists meet to share best practice, opportunities for funding and developing creative ideas that are important to Cumbria’s cultural economy, tourism and creative industries, it is equally important that Cumbria has a strategic vision for culture and the arts which enables our cultural organisations and artists to have a national and international impact.

Councillor Ian Stewart, Cumbria County Councillor and Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said:

“I am delighted to have played a role in developing this new network which I very much hope will become Cumbria’s first ‘What Next’ movement – the idea is to bring together the many arts and culture champions from around the county and support them to create new ways to work collaboratively and to provide opportunities for both current and future generations of artists and cultural heroes.  I am lucky enough to meet so many talented individuals and organisations around the county that would benefit from such a movement – this will help provide platforms to showcase Cumbria’s creative skills to the rest of the world.”

Cumbria CVS will be a key partner in the network.  Jozi Brown from Cumbria CVS said:

“It’s fantastic to see how much goes on in the arts and culture sector around Cumbria – there is a huge amount of energy from so many people, from addressing health inequalities at local neighbourhood level, to inspiring tourists to come and visit our beautiful county.  I’m delighted so many individuals and organisations want to get involved – it will benefit so many people, not to mention develop opportunities for future generations of Cumbrian artists.”

So far, more than 30 organisations have expressed an interest in being involved in the new network. These include The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Tullie House and Prism Arts in Carlisle, The Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere, Grizedale Arts near Coniston, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Signal Films, Lakes Culture and the Forestry Commission.

Catherine Coulthard, Director of Prism Arts in Carlisle has been involved in the project from the outset and will be hosting the first meeting of the network in June.  Catherine said:

“It is increasingly important for arts and cultural organisations to develop a shared voice in Cumbria.  At Prism, we are finding this a valuable process and feel that it will lead to new and exciting creative opportunities for people in Cumbria.  We are delighted that Cumbria County Council has continued to support this process.”

Councillor Chris Hogg, South Lakeland District Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Wellbeing, said:

“Collaboration and sharing best practice between Cumbria’s leading arts organisations and artists will lead to greater opportunities for all. A better cultural offer benefits everyone and we can learn and expand on new ideas, technologies and partnerships to make the best use of our creativity as a county.”

The first meeting of the new network is in June and is being hosted by Prism Arts and Tullie House in Carlisle.