Behind The Scenery Cumbria Arts & Culture Network (CACN)

How can we be smarter about funding our work at a time of real challenge for the cultural sector in Cumbria ?

That was the question being discussed at the most recent Cumbria Arts and Culture Network Big Meet in May.

Star of the show was Edinburgh based Bernard Ross, Director of =mc consulting, a leading training and consultancy organization working to transform the performance of value-driven organizations worldwide.
He knows a thing or two about fundraising too.

So for this special edition of Behind the Scenery, Tom Speight asked delegates to help him pull together the
main themes emerging at the conference, to see how they might go about answering that thorny question about fundraising.

Final rehearsals for two brand new Cumbrian one person shows about isolation and the environment – and the involvement of real people in recognising the issues
raised - are just about complete.

The Butterfly Collector by Peter MacQueen and Nancy’s Orange by Grace Kirkby are both being directed by the other person, so to speak. The two Cumbrian writers
and actors have come together to create two pieces of theatre which have real resonance for the county and for the wider world.

For this month’s Behind the Scenery, Tom Speight went along to meet them as final rehearsals were taking place – to see what it’s like when it’s just you and a bare stage against the world…..and to hear one of the best moth jokes around….

This month, Behind the Scenery talks to two very special Cumbrians who have committed a lifetime to the British arts scene.

Sue Gill and John Fox founded Welfare State International in 1968. It was a loose association of freelance artists
bought together by shared values and philosophy. A way of life. A way to approach art differently.

John and Sue have just published a new book called "Eighty-Something – a lifetime of conversation". And they invited Tom Speight to their home on the coast near
Ulverston to listen in to that decades old conversation, as well as to reflect on the impact of Welfare State from their travels across the world.

This month, Behind the Scenery has a very special guest.

Darren Henley is the boss of Arts Council England. A pretty influential sort of chap.

He’s been visiting Cumbria recently. And Tom Speight got the chance to sit down with him to find out what he thought about the arts landscape in the county today. And to chat about where and how his organisation is looking to influence and support.

This month, Behind the Scenery has a fresh sound and a fresh, ambitious sounding musician for you to enjoy.

Season two begins with a look at and listen to the brilliant young Cumbrian singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Maebh Brayne.

Now in London but still very much with a base near Cockermouth, Maebh is slowly developing a name and a brand.

Tom Salmon has been to meet her at her family home.

For December, Behind the Scenery puts a big smile on its – and hopefully your - face.

Artists Chris and Jennie Dennett from Ulverston, aka Artfly, were commissioned by Barrow’s Signal Film and Media to dream up the future. What might life actually be like in a
few decades time ?

Relax into 2050 is their answer. A fun, colourful, interactive exhibition in Signal’s great space on Abbey Road. Involving airships, whale poo, a giant canvas dome, a beautiful
soundscape and loads and loads of imagination.

It's open until the end of January - Tom Speight went along on the opening night.