The Bigger Picture
Ongoing
Project
Overview Reimagining Carlisle Future Changemakers
Overview Reimagining Carlisle Future Changemakers
Reimagining Carlisle
Eden Arts is bringing together a group of cultural leaders and experts to help shape a visionary future for Carlisle in Cumbria. A select group will be invited to join us for a day of exploration, discussion, and inspiration as part of our âBigger Pictureâ project; working alongside emerging creatives to envision a vibrant cultural future for the city.
âThe Bigger Pictureâ is a new initiative to bring together emerging producers and creatives in Carlisle to create a vision for the future of the city. We want to bring together a small group of future change makers, alongside stakeholders and cultural leaders to imagine a future for the city.
Carlisle has long been in a state of cultural stagnation, with progress often stifled by outdated policies and a risk-averse local government. While some infrastructure improvements are underway, they lack coherence with the cityâs cultural aspirations.
However, Carlisle has untapped potential in the form of:
â A rich history as âThe Great Border Cityâ, with two nearby World Heritage sites and landmarks like the cathedral and castle.
â A university presence and excellent connectivity via train and the M6.
â A range of cultural activities happening across the cityâmusic, theatre, community, and refugee groupsâthough these efforts can feel a bit disparate.
â New US-based ownership at Carlisle United Football Club with ambitious plans to âOwn The North.â
â An emerging Business Improvement District eager for a more progressive and culturally rich city with potential funding of ÂŁ1 million per year.
Despite these positives, challenges remain in the city, such as an ageing population and a prevailing conservative mindset that resists change. We aim to gather fresh ideas and demonstrate what Carlisle could become with the right vision and leadership.
A series of days led by cultural and place-making experts from across the UK and Europe. These days will act as an opportunity for creating and discussing a different future for Carlisle forged in the industry, heritage and culture of the city. Each âexpertâ will bring their unique perspective to the table, from councils with a significant culture strategy to leaders of festivals where culture affects change in the place they are based.
When
20 April - 20 December 2024
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Reimagining Carlisle
Led by cultural experts from across the UK and Europe these unique workshops will offer the group the chance to discover different perspectives and approaches to producing outstanding events and cultural offerings rooted in community and place.
These days will take place in Carlisle with an invitation to join a tour of the city from around midday, followed by a more focussed conversation from 3.30-5.20pm.
Friday 7th February
Jess Steele (Hastings Commons) and Matt Baker (Stove Network)
Dr Jess Steele, OBE
Jess Steele has over 30 yearsâ experience as a local community activist and entrepreneur in Deptford and Hastings and in national roles for membership networks like the British Urban Regeneration Association and Locality, including leading the development and delivery of the Meanwhile Project, the Campaign Against Delinquent Ownership, and the national Community Organisers programme.
An active social entrepreneur over several decades, Jess has established community enterprises in publishing, heritage, tourism, childcare, financial management, neighbourhood development, workspace, and homes that are genuinely affordable in perpetuity.
Matt Baker
Matt Baker is one of the founders and CEO of The Stove â an arts organisation working across Dumfries and Galloway to connect communities with creative people and projects - developing wider partnerships for action for places and the people that live in them. Matt has over 30 years experience as a public artist working predominantly in the regeneration field; leading the arts programme for the rebuilding of the Gorbals 1999-2005 and the re-imagining of Inverness city centre 2006-2011. Baker and The Stove have helped pioneer the contemporary practice of Creative Placemaking in Scotland and he served as co-chair of the National Partnership for Culture 2020-23.
Saturday 22nd February
Bart Van Peel (Captain Boomer)
Thursday 27th February
Dave Moutrey (Director of Culture and Creative Industries for Manchester City Council) and Alison Clark (Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism Durham Council)
Dave Moutrey OBE
Dave is responsible for leading on the creation and delivery of Manchester City Councilâs cultural and creative industries policy and strategy working closely with the cityâs cultural and creative industries sector on joint working and other collaborative initiatives. He was appointed to this role after a 6 year part-time secondment to the Council as of Director of Culture.
Alison Clarke
Alison has had a 25-year career in culture & place leadership. She is currently Director of Culture Sport and Tourism at Durham County Council, responsible for sectoral strategy and delivery and major new visitor and infrastructure projects. Alongside this role she is collaboratively developing the Culture Creative Tourism and Sport portfolio with the new North East Combined Authority, delivering on key devolution commitments including region of sport, regional visitor economy and new relationships with arms length bodies.
An Intensive Course for Emerging Producers and Future Changemakers
Eden Arts, in partnership with Blank Wall Assassins, are offering a new initiative to bring together emerging producers and creatives in Carlisle to create a vision for the future of the city.
The Bigger Picture Emerging Producers/Creatives 2024/2025
This opportunity is for a small cohort of emerging creatives to develop skills in the creative industry through project management, production and delivery of a varied selection of projects taking place with Eden Arts and Blank Wall Assassins in 2024. Successful applicants will also be invited to participate in a series of workshops with cultural experts from across Europe and contribute to a vision for the city of Carlisle. The idea is that by participating you will be learning and contributing.
Who is this for?
This opportunity is open to individuals from school leavers to those changing careers, who are looking to progress their creative careers, specifically seeking experience in producing cultural events, festivals, exhibitions etc. The ambition is to create the next wave of producers and creatives who will lead the industry in using culture to inform the future of Carlisle. The open call targets schools, colleges, universities and the wider community. Individuals can apply to the scheme and a shortlist will be invited to participate. Applicants from Cumberland will be given priority however this opportunity is open to individuals living in the North of England. This opportunity will offer a wealth of experience that can be applied in future professional roles and endeavours.
Please note this call out is now closed. If you are interested in joining the cohort please email jo@edenarts.co.uk
The Bigger Picture is made possible by funding from The UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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