The fifth New Light Prize Exhibition returns to Tullie House in Carlisle alongside Artful Ways, a new creative project.
Both open on Saturday, September 18, and run until November 6.
The New Light Art Prize offers emerging and established artists some of the best opportunities and awards available in the North of England.
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery in Carlisle will present the work to the public for their first unbroken run, after being interrupted by restrictions at previous venues, Scarborough Art Gallery and The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle.
The exhibition features 125 artworks from 105 of the most talented artists in the UK. All have some connection with the north of England.
The list includes established artists such as Isobel Peachey, who became the youngest female to paint the monarch. This year also sees representation from an unprecedented number of local talents, with pieces from Alan Stones, Mark Gibbs, Brian Shields, David Cemmick, Eddie Potts, Catherine MacDiarmid, Janet Kenyon, Richard Foster, Kevin Chester, Kate Bentley SWA, Lynn Bates, Ceri Allen, Jade Miners and Georgie Clough.
Rebekah Tadd, New Light development director, said: “We are delighted by the positive reception to the New Light Prize Exhibition.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have been one of the few open art competitions able to go ahead this year, due to its predominantly online nature and the collaboration of our partner galleries.”
Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie House, said: “We are so pleased to be able to host the New Light Prize Exhibition again at Tullie House – the variety of pieces on display this year is truly incredible.
“We’re particularly proud at the number of Cumbrian artists in the show and are looking forward to opening the doors to our visitors.”
Artful Ways
Artful Ways is a new Arts Council funded project bringing people together across Cumbria to celebrate creativity, connection and place as the county emerges from lockdown.
The exhibition displayed alongside New Light in the main art gallery at Tullie House, will showcase artwork created during a month of activity across the county.
Artful Ways is being led by Harriet and Rob Fraser, of somewhere-nowhere, an artistic practice that engages people with issues of place and natural environment.
Artful Ways invited people from across the cultural sector to meet up outside, to walk between studios, venues, and other cultural landmarks, and to make a piece of work in response.
Their ‘artful ways’, tracked with a user-friendly app, have been added to a new map celebrating Cumbria’s creative richness.
Pieces made by participants – from professional artists to budding creatives – will be shared on the website, and a selection have been chosen to feature in the touring exhibition.
Harriet Fraser, of somewhere-nowhere, said: “It’s very exciting to finally have the exhibition in place and to share the work of commissioned artists and others who have taken part, along with the stories behind their pieces.
“The responses talk about Cumbria’s heritage, the natural environment, the meaning of community, and the importance of creativity, and will leave visitors with plenty of food for thought.”
