Arts organisations across Cumbria have welcomed the publication of a strategy aimed at developing the sector in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership’s creative and cultural sector panel has developed the strategy in conjunction with Cumbria County Council.

Colin Glover, chair of Cumbria LEP’s creative and cultural sector panel, said: “Cumbria takes seriously its creative and cultural offer and is committed to its continuous development, enabling its further growth and promoting our unique offer widely. Now more than ever a clear roadmap forward is critical for ensuring creativity and culture remains at the heart of our communities in the county.

“The sector has come together through the Cumbria LEP’s creative and cultural sector panel to develop a strategy to deliver on these priorities and ensure that Cumbria has something for everybody.

“We would like to thank everyone who has shared their views with us in developing the strategy.”

The publication of the strategy follows the Government’s announcement that Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus.

Organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, museums and galleries will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

The strategy has been designed to promote and develop the existing arts and cultural offer in the county and to encourage further growth in the creative industries. It has been developed in consultation with arts organisations across the county.

The full strategy can be found at www.thecumbrialep.co.uk/governance-and-accountability/strategy-plans/

Miriam Randall, chief executive at the Brewery Arts Centre, in Kendal, said: “This strategy marks a bold and ambitious chapter for Cumbria’s cultural and creative industries, supporting and guiding a network of well-established arts organisations to work across sectors to build new opportunities for creative skills and engagement, including digital innovation.”

Michael McGregor, director at The Wordsworth Trust, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the creative and cultural sector in Cumbria working together to create a shared vision, and great that Cumbria LEP has taken a lead in recognising the importance of the sector to the economic vitality of the county.”

Richard Elder, director at Rosehill Theatre, near Whitehaven, said: “The different arts and cultural organisations, places and individuals form such an important part of Cumbria in so many ways.

“Rosehill is proud to partner with many of these, producing great work together, and this strategy is a welcome development.”