A local MP has paid a visit to an important arts charity which does valuable work with people in the community.
John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, visited the city’s Prism Arts, which specialises in creating opportunities through art for people living with a disability, autism or additional needs.
The charity has been working with people in the city for 35 years, creating opportunities for participants to make art, develop skills and showcase their talents. It aims to boost people’s confidence and wellbeing at the same time as tackling loneliness and isolation.
John said: “I was delighted to visit Prism Arts this week and even more so to take part in an actual live workshop.
“It was evident how much people enjoyed the session and were able to practice and learn skills in a safe and welcoming place with the focus being on ability and not disability. I look forward to seeing the organisation progress and expand in the future.”
In Cumbria there are more than 100,000 people living with a disability and Prism Arts currently help over 4,500 people each year through a programme of events, workshops, projects and outreach work.
Its Arts Without Barriers strategy provides many of those people with meaningful progression routes that use artistic tools to build essential skills and relationships for life.
Current projects for 2022 include ‘Rest Under the Stars’ and a ‘Prism Art Exhibition’ in partnership with Carlisle Cathedral, ‘Step Up, Step Forward’ with the University of Cumbria Institute of Arts and Youth Theatre with James Rennie School.
Catherine Coulthard, creative strategic director, said: “We were delighted to welcome John Stevenson MP to Prism Arts, it was a great opportunity for our artists and participants, with learning disabilities and autism, to share their ambitions and their excellent work.
“Organisations like Prism Arts ensure that the voices of disabled people form a full part of our local cultural landscape, it was wonderful to be able to share our work and vision with John today.”
More details can be found at www.prismarts.org.uk
