Lakeland Arts Joins National Big Give Campaign to Break Down Barriers to Culture in Cumbria
From 2 – 9 December, Lakeland Arts will take part in the Big Give, the UK’s largest match-funding campaign, uniting charities and supporters across the country to make twice the impact with donations made in this period. This year, Lakeland Arts is calling on the community to help raise £5,000, which will be doubled to £10,000 through matched donations. Every pound given will go directly towards delivering inclusive arts programmes that empower marginalised communities and give young people the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
For many in Cumbria, access to culture is far from guaranteed. Rural isolation, low incomes, and limited transport links often mean that families, schools, and individuals are excluded from the cultural experiences others may take for granted. Now, with rising costs, reduced funding, and 61% of museums across the UK planning to cut services this year, the challenge has never been greater.
Lakeland Arts remains determined to break down these barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, circumstance, or location, has the chance to connect with creativity and culture.
Amie Fletcher, Development Manager at Lakeland Arts states: “Art and heritage have the power to bring people together, to inspire confidence, connection, and belonging. With the community’s support during the Big Give, we can make sure that children, families, and underrepresented groups across Cumbria don’t miss out on those vital opportunities. £10,000 will go a long way in supporting our ambitious outreach programme that will inspire and engage people across the county.”
Funds raised will directly support the Participation & Learning team, sustaining a part-time Creative Producer role that drives outreach, learning, and engagement across the region. This role is essential to delivering inclusive, collections-inspired programmes; from early years workshops to creative projects with young people and partnerships with organisations supporting marginalised groups.
Even if the full target isn’t met, every donation will go towards this vital work. Should the campaign exceed its goal, additional funds will help extend the Creative Producer’s impact, reaching more communities and deepening local connections.
Through this campaign, Lakeland Arts aims to:
- Deliver inclusive cultural programmes that reach underrepresented communities, families, and schools across Cumbria.
- Enable children and young people to explore their creativity and build confidence through workshops, outreach, and engagement.
- Reduce barriers caused by rural isolation, low income, and limited transport by taking programmes directly into communities.
- Strengthen partnerships with local organisations supporting marginalised groups to co-create meaningful opportunities for participation.
- Sustain and grow the Participation & Learning team, ensuring lasting access to culture and creativity for generations to come.
By donating during the Big Give campaign, supporters will help protect Cumbria’s cultural heritage and nurture the creativity of future generations. Together, we can ensure that culture in Cumbria remains inclusive, accessible and a source of inspiration for everyone
How to Help
From 2-9 December, visit https://bit.ly/LABigGive25 to make a donation. Every pound you give will be doubled – making twice the impact for local communities in Cumbria.
