Discovering Cumbria Arts and Culture Network

-Breaking Down the Silos-

When I first heard about the Cumbria Arts and Culture Network (CACN), I didn't know what to expect. What I discovered was the infrastructure that this region has desperately needed for decades.

What Is CACN?

CACN describes itself as "a network for arts and cultural organisations and individual creative practitioners based in, or connected to, Cumbria." That phrase "or connected to" matters – this isn't just about who lives here now. It's about maintaining connections with talent that's left, bringing back expertise, and creating a web of support that transcends geographical boundaries.

According to their Catalyst project materials, CACN "exists to connect, champion and develop the culture sector in Cumbria. We work to create a joined-up, inclusive cultural ecology, enabling organisations and individual creatives to collaborate effectively."

Running for about five years, it's one of the first truly successful attempts at connecting Cumbria's creative community. Previous efforts failed to take root. This one has. And it matters.

The Silo Problem

Cumbria is full of incredibly talented artists, but many work in "silos" – isolated and protective of their work, clients, and territory. It's not malicious; it's survival. In a small region, collaboration can feel like competition.

One story struck me: years ago, someone secured funding for public events and immediately faced social media backlash – "How dare you put on events – that's what WE do." Protectionism born from scarcity thinking.

But CACN understands the truth: interconnection means everybody wins. The pie gets bigger. As one Friday Zoom participant put it: "Every Friday morning I am inspired, cheered and educated. You should be able to get it on prescription."

Why Cumbria Is Different

Cumbria still has something many UK regions have lost – genuine community cohesion. Multiple generations of families live within walking distance. You can find properties in Whitehaven for around £50,000 with coastal views; in Brighton, a tiny glimpse of coastline costs £800,000.

This affordability keeps families together and communities intact. But it's under threat. CACN is part of the resistance – by valuing what happens here, it's helping preserve something precious.

Challenging the Narrative

The persistent story says if you want to make it creatively, you must leave Cumbria for London, Bristol, or Manchester. Historically, there hasn't been infrastructure here to support creative careers at scale.

But CACN's new "See It To Be It" project directly challenges this. As Maddi Nicholson from Art Gene explains: "Young people in Cumbria deserve to see that a creative career is not only possible, but valued. This project is important because it will open doors, build connections and confidence for young people to thrive in creative industries, right here at home."

CACN is the beginning of that infrastructure. It's not complete yet – which is exciting because there's room to grow, contribute, and shape what comes next.

What This Means

Before this session, I hadn't realised how much was happening in Cumbria's creative sector. The CACN website reveals training opportunities, networking events, member profiles, podcasts, and Friday Zoom calls. Organisations I'd never heard of are doing fascinating work across the country.

Kate Parry, CACN's Chair, emphasises the network's commitment: "We're really looking forward to supporting the commissioned artists to make the best of the opportunity. We're standing by to share what the artists are creating and learning with others across our sector and beyond."

It's made me question my assumptions. Do I need to leave? Or can I be part of building something here?

I'm not naive – opportunities elsewhere might still be necessary. But now I know there's a network here, a community I can join. That changes everything.

CACN isn't perfect yet and hasn't reached everyone. But it's growing, and its success where others failed suggests something different about this approach.

This isn't just about finding opportunities. It's about reshaping what it means to be a creative practitioner in Cumbria.

References:

Cumbria Arts and Culture Network (CACN). (n.d.). Home. https://cacn.co.uk/

Cumbria Arts and Culture Network. (2024). Catalyst. https://cacn.co.uk/catalyst/

Deakin, A. (quoted in CACN). Friday Zooms testimonial. https://cacn.co.uk/

Nicholson, M. (2024). Quote from the See It To Be It project launch. Cumbria Arts and Culture Network. https://cacn.co.uk/

Parry, K. (2024). Statement on artist support. Cumbria Arts and Culture Network. https://cacn.co.uk/catalyst/