Equal-Works

Background 

Cumbria Vision is the first rural regeneration company in the UK, set up by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Cumbria County Council, in response to structural weaknesses in the rural economy highlighted by the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. Cumbria Vision’s objectives include attracting and developing new industries as well as supporting agriculture and tourism, where Cumbria has traditionally been strong. Cumbria Vision provides advice, technical support and funding for projects and businesses across rural Cumbria. The organisation can help to develop ideas, find project partners and identify potential sources of financial support. It is also working to develop skills, enhance the environment and support sustainable social and community regeneration. The creative industries are an important driver for growth.

Aim

The aim of the programme has been to create a framework for accelerating creative enterprise (FACE) to deliver sector-specific training through the medium of masterclasses, workshops, specialist training schemes and e-learning resources. The partners involved were Cumbria Vision (the lead partner); Cumbria County Council (DANCE) Project; Shoreline Films and Media Training Northwest (MTNW: Film/TV/ Drama); Generator North East Ltd (Music Management); Soundwave (Community Music) and Cumbria Institute of the Arts (Accreditation).

Objectives

The programme has been focusing on:

• targeting potential beneficiaries who may be excluded through geographic isolation
• providing portfolio-building opportunities
• developing employability and business skills
• complementing existing work in the county by building capacity
• creating a lasting impact beyond project timescale
• testing new technology and e-mentoring techniques.

Target groups

Unemployed, women, rural communities, people underrepresented in the cultural and media industries.

The project was a great success as Cumbria has not benefited from this type of programme in the past.

The programme has enabled a plethora of opportunities and now there is a growing demand for this type of activity. Theatre venues are now really taking these ideas on board and are building opportunities for local professionals into their programme of touring companies. 

The huge amount of publicity and interest from the media and the success of the programme have raised the profile and celebrated the success of delivery organisations, funders and the creative industry in Cumbria.

The programme has enabled urban and rural communities in Cumbria who have previously been excluded due to location to gain access to training, employment opportunities and development in community music.

The project has created an ‘expectation’ of professional development for the industry across Cumbria and has added value and depth to the experience and creative ‘offer’.  Media practitioners are now better equipped with additional skills to enable them to apply for placement and career opportunities in media production roles.

Northwest Vision and Media has recently opened a film office in Cumbria with the remit to encourage more indigenous and external production to the region, and the project will help to develop a local talent base with skilled and experienced individuals who production companies can recruit and rely on – thus making Cumbria a more attractive and competitive UK/international location. 

It is hoped that the creative industry in Cumbria will be further supported and developed and that more residents will be encouraged to pursue and engage in fulfilling and entrepreneurial employment in the industry.