Representatives from venues across West Cumbria met with the north area director of Arts Council England.
Rebecca Ball was invited to the area by Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister.
She met with staff and volunteers of the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, Soundwave, Rosehill Arts Trust, Florence Arts Centre, Prism and Everyone Here, discussing the vital role they play in education, wellbeing, local pride and the visitor economy.
The visit concluded with dinner at Muncaster Castle, providing further opportunity to discuss how national funding bodies and local partners can work together to support arts and culture in West Cumbria.
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. It funds artists and organisations across the country.
In a joint statement, the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, Soundwave, Rosehill Arts Trust and Florence Arts Centre said: “We were delighted to welcome Josh and Arts Council England to West Cumbria.
“Our organisations work with thousands of local people every year – from children and young people discovering creativity for the first time, to audiences, artists and volunteers of all ages.
“Like many cultural organisations, we face real challenges around funding, rising costs and long-term sustainability.
“Having the opportunity to share both our challenges and our ambitions directly with Arts Council England is hugely important. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure arts and culture remain accessible, inclusive and thriving across West Cumbria.”
Mr MacAlister said: “West Cumbria has an incredible range of creative talent and cultural organisations that make a real difference to people’s lives.
“From giving young people opportunities to discover music and theatre, to attracting visitors and supporting our local economy, these organisations are central to our community.
“By bringing Arts Council England to West Cumbria, I want to make sure our area is firmly on the map when it comes to future investment.
“Expanding access to arts and culture shouldn’t be something only available in big cities – everyone should be able to benefit, wherever they live.”
Ms Ball added: “It was a real pleasure to visit West Cumbria and to see the breadth of creative work taking place across the area.
“The organisations we visited are deeply rooted in their communities and clearly ambitious about reaching more people.
“Arts Council England is committed to continue supporting cultural organisations in West Cumbria, and visits like this are invaluable in helping us understand local priorities and how our investment can have the greatest impact.”
