Powering the futures of talented Cumbrians

The Cumbria Cultural Fund was set up in 2007 by patron of the arts, Mary Burkett. The Fund was established to address direct provision of support to individuals who may otherwise not have been able to take up opportunities to advance their art and creative practice. It supports activities that reflect the highest level of achievement and introduce artistic and creative work to new audiences. Mary gave her own money to start the fund and encouraged others to do the same. Mary died ten years ago and this year we celebrate her 100^th anniversary

 Since the Fund was created it has backed over 60 talented people from across the county to develop their skills and practice. A significant number developing professional careers and contributing back into their communities as teachers, workshop leaders and tutors. In the summer of 2024 a major review was undertaken of the Cultural Fund to ensure its relevance and to inform a re-launch of the fund, recognising the increasing financial pressures on people seeking to develop their talent and artistic practice.   

 We believe arts and creative practice underpin strong communities and enables people to explore the world they live in, promoting better understanding alongside opportunities for joy and an escape from everyday challenges.  New funding will nurture talent and encourage exceptional people to flourish in the county. It will support individuals that face additional barriers such as people with disabilities, and people from minoritised backgrounds and help them amplify their stories.

 The Fund was re-launched on the 7^th November with refreshed criteria: 

•  Support prioritised for individuals who originate from Cumbria or live and work in the county,
• Promotion of quality and excellence.
• Support those who can demonstrate talent or the potential to develop their creativity.
• Freedom for established practitioners to grow and learn, and develop their practice.
• Prioritising those least able to afford to develop their talent or creativity.
• Supporting people of all ages, with a focus on children and young people.
• Supporting individual ‘voices’ and those committed to conveying messages, e.g. need for societal change, challenging the status quo etc.
• Reaching those with the least opportunities or exposure to the arts. Making greater use of the Foundation’s relationships with funded organisations and schools to identify people who may have talent, or a ‘spark’ to be nurtured.
• Enabling ‘new’ and unconventional work.
• Giving larger and potentially multi-year awards.
• When funds allow, consider grants that allow artists to afford to be able to dedicate substantial time to their work. 

 We have set ambitious plans to distribute a minimum of £50,000 through the fund, aiming to reach at least 25 people annually.

 Your support will back the next generation of artists and creative practitioners, which together will enrich the lives of the people of Cumbria.