Eden Arts is an artist-led organisation based in Penrith, Cumbria. We're dedicated to creating change through culture and the arts. Our projects range from small, one-on-one initiatives to large-scale projects such as town festivals and regional strategies; but at the heart of everything we do is a focus on finding creative solutions.
2020 saw us reach a milestone of the big 3-0. We dug through the archives to find 30 things the company has achieved since being formed in 1990.
Click on the pics to see their bios
Adrian’s early career encompassed theatre, TV and Radio as a performer, director and writer, as well as with educational arts companies. He is passionate about the relevance of art and culture in enriching all of our lives.
Lakota joined Eden Arts as a project manager, having found the perfect balance of a creative and organised job in this role. Her passions are good food, live music, and sleep! Lakota previously lived in Liverpool, where she worked on and coordinated a number of theatre projects and live arts events.
Jo has been working with Eden Arts since 2014 in various roles. Jo graduated with a BA in Fine Art in 2007 and started her career in Arts sector soon after graduating alongside continuing her own artistic practice.
When she isn't in the office Jo loves being outdoors, gardening, sketching and pursuing sports with her two children.
Debbie joined Eden Arts in August 2022 and looks after the office and financial side of things, as well as being an all-round general helper-outer.
When she is not in the office Debbie likes gardening and growing veg. She also loves the first sip of a beer after a decent walk from her home just outside Penrith.
Connie graduated in 2018 with a BA Hons in Fine Art, following this she started her career in the arts and culture sector including Exhibition work, Gallery Curation and Organisation and Theatre Arts.
She joined the Eden Arts team in 2023.
When she’s not in the office she enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.
Izzy studied Philosophy and Social Policy at The University of Leeds, with a passion for equality and inclusion. Since then, she has worked in all different places, spheres and sectors bringing a positive attitude, creative ideas and a drive to make people’s lives better.
When not at Eden Arts, Izzy can be found singing with her band, writing or drawing, adventuring somewhere in the Lakeland fells or enjoying some local craft beer at the pub!
After graduating university with a degree in Graphic Design, Lucie spent 10 years working the hospitality/events industry. In 2025, Lucie joined Eden Arts to pursue her creative passion and helped to bring arts and culture to her beloved home town and county.
Lucie's biggest creative passions are film, interior design and all things print. When not in the office, you'll find her learning how to sew, trying out a new recipe or working on the next house DIY.
Jane is a private practice psychotherapist.
She lives in the Lakes with her family, cat, hens, and a wood-burning stove. A good day is exploring and adventuring with them, or sitting idling a day away by a river with a friend and a flask.
Director, Newcastle Mela. Yaqoob is a supportive and experienced programmer and cultural organiser.
Cristine leads on diversity within the Eden Arts Board.
Lily is involved in art and music events, with a love for the practical side of making things happen. She's keen to be a voice for young people who want to get involved in the arts in Cumbria.
Stuart Armstrong is a film director and screenwriter based in Carlisle. His BAFTA-qualifying, BFI-backed short film ‘Meat Raffle’ was nominated for Film4 Best British Short at Iris Prize in 2025 and is currently available to stream via Channel 4.
Stuart previously worked with Eden Arts as a Project Officer from 2024-2025.
ARTISTS | ORGANISATIONS
Asa Laarson | Daryl Carrington | Hannah Fox | Sarah Fortais | Pete Moser | Nula Irwin | Other Half Productions | Felicity Footloose | Ian Marchant | Logy on Fire | Symmetry Circus | Kwabana Lindsay | Blast Theory | NCNC | Blank Wall Assassins | Anna Read
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