North Area Director of Arts Council England Rebecca Ball, visited West Cumbria, as part of ongoing work to strengthen and expand access to arts and culture across the area.

Hosted by Josh MacAlister, Whitehaven and Workington MP, and Rebecca Ball met with local arts and cultural organisations to hear first-hand about the opportunities they create for communities.

As well as the challenges they face in securing sustainable funding and reaching new audiences.

Rebecca Ball, North Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “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.”

During the visit, Josh and Rebecca met with staff and volunteers at 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.

Josh MacAlister MP 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.”

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 MacAlister MP 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.”

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.

Josh will continue to work with Arts Council England and cultural partners to make the case for greater investment in arts and culture across West Cumbria, ensuring that local organisations and projects have the support they need to grow and succeed.