Carlisle Renaissance

Culture

Unlocking the economic benefits of culture

Alongside our four priorities, we are working with partners to unlock the economic benefits that culture can bring to Carlisle.

Culture is as important to Carlisle as its physical regeneration, because it is the glue that binds communities together, gives a place identity, and engenders pride in where we live. It underpins everything that Carlisle Renaissance is working to achieve, which is why we are also committing to supporting cultural development in the city.

To inform our approach to cultural development, we commissioned an independent report, 'Carlisle's Cultural Future'. The report highlights that cultural and creative industries are alive and kicking in Carlisle, and that local people feel as passionately about building on this potential as Renaissance does.

We've supported some key activities by socially engaged arts project Love Carlisle.

In September 2009 we held a 'Cultural Conversations' event. This got people discussing how to develop Carlisle's cultural offer and unlock the economic benefits of the city's creative and cultural offer. In March 2010 we hosted another exciting discussion about opportunities around archives in Cumbria.

We've also supported a range of exciting events to create more opportunities for local people to enjoy and debate culture, and improve leadership and capacity in the creative sector. These include:

A key catalyst for debate has been the decision to bid for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2013 title.

Useful Links:

'The Once and Future City' initial bid for UK City of Culture 2013  (PDF)
Cultural photocards (PDF)
Lakes Alive in Carlisle 2009 (video)

 



Partners

Carlisle City Council Cumbria County Council Northwest Development Agency Cumbria Vision