Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre has successfully secured Arts Council funding to provide free arts training for practicing artists from across the County. The training will be perfect for artists who want to develop their work in an outdoor setting and explore the possibilities of working with young people and community groups.

The idea for this project came through the Centre’s association with local artist Helen Gorrill, who was visiting the farm to draw livestock as part of her work. Helen’s work and inspiration confirmed our belief that the farm is a special and beautiful place. It was with this in mind that we decided to develop a project to share the farm and its creative opportunities with other young artists from across the County.

The project will be delivered in three phases. Phase one will involve participants in two farm based residential training weekends, under the guidance of Adam Clarke a qualified artist and experienced teacher who possess an excellent track record of working with community and disadvantaged groups.

During the first residential weekend participants will be familiarised with the farm and encouraged to develop their creative responses to the farm landscape and the environment. The second weekend will introduce the practicalities of preparing and delivering art activities in an outdoor setting for young people and community groups.

Phase two will engage participants in the planning and delivery of environmental art based activities. This will be facilitated with the support of Sue Bone Low Lucken’s Educational Development Officer.

Finally we will celebrate and promote the project with a three week art exhibition at Carlisle City Library who has kindly donated the exhibition space free of charge.

Participating artists will be able to access bursaries of up to 50% from Cumbria Cultural Skills Partnership for subsistence and transport costs.

Low Luckens farm has a rich tradition of supporting the Arts, with Sheila Tilmouth as the artist in residence in 2006 and a variety of craft events and activities, including an exhibition and workshop on Saturday 18th July with Helen Gorrill.

Further information and an application pack are available from Jill Jones, Centre Manager, Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre, Roweltown, Carlisle, CA6 6LJ. Tel: 016977 48186 Email: lowluckensorc@hotmail.com

www.lowluckensfarm.co.uk/