22/12/2008 - Creative Cumbria - official figures show more Cumbrians engage in the arts

It's official, Cumbria is a creative, artistic county. Results of a new national poll show that 43% of Cumbrians aged over 16 take part in arts activities or attend arts events. The figure is based on a national telephone survey to a random selection of households across the county.

This figure is in line with the regional average (also 43%) of people taking part in or attending arts events, but given the nature of Cumbria’s geography and sparse population, it is an encouraging result. 

Culture and the arts are vital to a healthy Cumbrian economy, with cultural tourism bringing around £1.1billion into the county last year. The new figures include attendance at contemporary and traditional musical events, theatres, festivals and exhibitions as well as the number of people taking part in arts and crafts, drama, carnivals, book clubs and new media or photography.

The release of the figures, which are one of the many performance indicators used to judge how the council is performing, coincide with a drive by county councillors to get more Cumbrians engaged in the arts. County councillors are exploring how engagement varies with factors such as age and geography and hope to recommend how to support people and give them the confidence to take part and find their own hidden creative talents. 

The county has plans to increase arts engagement opportunities by 6% over the next 3 years. It is supporting the development of positive arts activities for young people and working with Adult Services and Age Concern to transform and broaden older people's creative arts choices, in care homes and day care centres.

Cumbria has a higher than national average attendance at live theatrical performances and there are twice the national average number of musical organisations and events per head here. There is also a vibrant community of artists’ networks and studios as well as numerous voluntary arts societies. Cumbria also has seven times more listed buildings than the national average and exciting temporary art exhibitions drawing visitors into the area. 

Cllr Barbara Cannon, Cumbria County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, said:

"This survey proves Cumbrian people are proud of their arts and cultural venues, many of which are supported heavily by arts volunteers. There is growing evidence that getting engaged in something creative - such as visiting a theatre, your local library, or attending a craft workshop - is good for your health, keeps you active and involved. Why not make a New Year's resolution to visit a gallery or take up a new creative hobby?"

To see the range of arts activities available and how you can take part visit http://www.cumbria-artefacts.org.uk/ or contact our Arts Participation Officer, Cherrie Trelogan on 01228-227306

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332