Cumbrian Artists Fighting Back
Cumbrian Artists Fighting Back – 2020 has been a terrible year for many and the arts have had a tougher time than most.
With exhibitions, events and markets cancelled, artists have struggled to sell work. The arts are not a luxury, they are an integral part of the economy and the sector has begun its fight back.
Carlisle
Daniel Ibbotson has organised a city centre pop-up exhibition from the 27th of November to the 6th of December which features over 60 local artists.
It follows a successful event earlier this summer and the new contemporary exhibition – PRESENCE – held in Edwin Talbot Gallery on Crosby Street will feature established, award-winning Cumbrian artists alongside the up and coming generation. The exhibition will offer collectors – and Christmas shoppers – very affordable artwork.
“We’re moving forward from COVID and this is an attempt to help the arts community,” said Daniel. “We all had things planned, that’s gone and it’s time to start back at a grassroots level.
I wanted to find a way to safely exhibit and I decided to invite other Cumbrian artists to take part. The response has been overwhelmingly positive which is the attitude we need in these challenging times.
I’ve sought out younger artists who will benefit from exhibiting alongside established artists and, in turn, bring their own vitality and spirit to PRESENCE. The aim is to grow a cohesive collective of Cumbrian artists and showcase contemporary artworks, illustrations, photography, ceramics and artisan jewellery by highly talented Cumbrian creatives.”
Follow @proseed2020 on Instagram for updates.
Penrith
The Winter Droving won’t bring the usual fiery hustle and bustle to Penrith town centre this year but organisers, Eden Arts, have re-imagined the event with several public projects between 28th – 31st October.
Director Adrian Lochhead said: “It’s important morale is kept high, we know the Winter Droving is an important part of that. This year’s event is focused on local people – with many to be featured in one of the highlights – a projected light spectacle taking place in St Andrews Church Yard and on shop windows throughout Penrith.
We aim to celebrate local people around the theme of ‘care’ – caring for others, the environment, the town, the District. The public nominated people in the community to feature in the projection display and we want to put them into lights!”.
As well as the ticketed light installation, a public art gallery will be scattered throughout the town with shop windows transformed by artworks of the Winter Droving audience in their masks and fancy dress.
More information can be found at www.edenarts.co.uk/WD2020
West Cumbria
With few events planned this year, West Cumbrian artists are finding strength in numbers by coming together in collectives like Maryport Arts and West Cumbrian Arts.
Digital artist Jeremy N’dure set up Maryport Arts: “Artists from all formats need to come together in a strong community and help run and create local projects. We’re here to help promote local artists and local representation at Maryport. We want to bring people together, engage the youth and hopefully create an online gallery in time.”
Find the group on their Facebook page @maryportarts.
Maggi Toner-Edgar helped set up the Eden Valley Artistic Network which has around 140 members and continued that work by founding West Cumbrian Arts which has over 30. The inclusive groups believe artistic networks should be friendly, welcoming and inviting for young artists or experienced professionals.
Their open-door policy aims to connect like-minded individuals, network and build professional relationships while making local art accessible to the public.
“Our Facebook page is open to everyone and next year we will be looking to expose people to local art in a way they never have,” said Maggi. “Many of our events make the most of our environment, celebrate nature and bring art out of galleries and into open studios, art trails or exhibitions throughout our town centres.”
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