Today will see the last event at The Studio Morland before it closes the doors on the Community Interest Company.
The event is the final Creative Thinkers talk, part of series, exploring all things art and the big topics in life.
The Studio was begun by artists Kate Gilman Brundrett and Jennifer Brook, who saw an opportunity to bring high quality arts to a rural community in 2017.
It has since hosted a huge range of events from yoga and Pilates to life drawing and disco, from exhibitions and talks to belly dancing and theatre shows, and from young people’s art clubs to monthly dementia friendly craft sessions.
A spokesman said: “As a community interest company, it has engaged audiences from babies and school children to the WI and from business networks to circus and performance workshops.
“It has hosted seasonal performances from EVAN musicians, and national storytellers through the Highlights Rural Touring scheme.
It has held exhibitions of local artists in lockdown in Through the Locking Glass and international networks of nature focused organisations.
“It has provided experimental art sessions for young people from Carlisle Youth Zone and impressed the High Sheriff of Cumbria enough to win a community award.
“One group visited each year travelling from Glasgow and Berlin to meet. And young carers and older carers have found support and companionship.”
Kate said: “I am so proud of what the studio has achieved over the years, which is all down to our small team and helpers.
“It has provided a vital lifeline for people young and old who found a safe and welcoming space to be creative and feel alive, and some of the feedback of how the sessions have positively impacted and transformed some people’s lives are truly humbling.”
However, the future for the organisation was described as unsustainable.
Despite the company closing, the building will remain open and available for hire.
This also means the weekly sessions such as yoga and Pilates, sports massage and sound baths will continue, and the space is available for rent.
Kate will independently continue to deliver business coaching sessions, company away days and other events at the space, as Kate Brundrett Associates.
