The idea of a Network was developed in 2003 by artist Kate Brundrett, who realised there was an opportunity for better communication and visibility for artists and creative people in Cumbria.

Later that year, Kate got together with Steve Messam (from fold gallery) and jointly applied for a grant to develop a Network for a year as a pilot project, as well as development of fold.

In 2004 Kate and Steve carried out research to asked artists based in Cumbria what their needs were, and what they would want out of an annual artistic event. What came out of this was the beginnings of The Cumbria Network, and FRED - an art invasion, which was established as a vehical to bring artists together to form the Network.

In 2005 the Network gained autonomy, and expanded rapidly. It hosted its first 'Interconnect' event (networking and curry) which was a sell-out, and worked alongside FRED to augment projects with discussion and networking events that would help raise debate and discussion. Its subscriber base doubled and another grant application was applied for to develop the Network for the following year.

In 2006 the Network developed the HUBs project, bringing together and nurturing clusters of local artists to form flexible peer groups. Each HUB had it's own requirements and needs and developed in different ways. (3 HUBs currently exist in Carlisle, Kendal and Cockermouth and we will be looking at ways to help develop these and create new ones in the future - get involved!)

In 2007 much less funds meant that there were much less activities organised through the Network (although we did have a superb summer camp!) However, we received funds from Cumbria County Council specifically to develop a superb new 'social networking' website (possibly the first of its kind in the UK for an arts community) and this is what we worked hard to get right. The important thing about the website was that, even if (when?) funding stopped we would have a tool that could survive beyond a financial crisis because it was driven by members. So the infrastructure that the Network started to put into place could continue, even in a virtual form.

And here we are in 2008 - which so far has seen successful funding applications to Arts Council England, and historically, the last ever Culture and Heritage grant from The Northern Rock Foundation. This means we can resume our (well missed!) activities over the next two years and - with your help - develop and strengthen the creative community in Cumbria for the future and keep the buzz alive. The Network has always been run single handedly which has proven a struggle at times, the member-led model will mean that more people can get involved in taking it forward.

In February we had a review of the impending membership fee (membership currently standing at around 670) and your feedback and thoughts resulted in the decision to keep membership FREE for the time being. We have also taken steps to become a Ltd. company, which will be going through later in the year.

In May 2008 our website was shortlisted for the best website in the north west 'not for profit organisation' catagory at the Big Chip Awards, and we came home having won the 'best in Cumbria' award.

And for now we are looking forward to getting activities going again and get excited about working as an artist in Cumbria - if you want to feed into activities, membership issues, future developments then get in touch...

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