The University of Cumbria Institute of Education, Arts and Society is hosting a series of events this autumn to inspire budding artists of all ages.

The events aim to increase awareness of and access to creative industries and careers.

Part of the national Discover! Creative Careers Week 2024 drive, the initiative runs from November 18 to 22.

Special industry events will be held at its Brampton Road campus in Carlisle, including an Arts@60 alumni exhibition, Cumbria Arts and Culture Network's Big Meet, and an open creative industries careers day.

A new two-centred exhibition will close the institute’s celebrations, marking six decades of arts education provided at the Brampton Road campus.

The Arts@60 ‘Past and Present’ exhibition, curated by graduate artists in residence Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes, will showcase the artistic talents of students, both past and present.

Artwork created by more than 80 former students, spanning six decades, will be on display in the University of Cumbria’s Vallum Gallery and other on-site spaces from Monday, November 18 to Friday, December 6.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm on weekdays.

A sister showcase, featuring pieces by current students, will be held at Intro PR’s base in Carlisle city centre from November 20 to 30.

On Wednesday, November 20, fine art lecturer Dr Martin Fowler will lead an afternoon showcasing expertise from the university’s Arts Research Initiative, with a keynote presentation from Sarah Fisher, executive director of the Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool and co-chair of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network England.

The following day, November 21, the Cumbria Arts and Culture Network will host its Big Meet, exploring the theme: ‘How can we help young people to build a creative career in Cumbria?’

The University of Cumbria Institute of Education, Arts and Society will also host a creative careers ‘Industry Day’ for those aged 14 and over interested in working in the creative industries sector.

The Creative Careers Industry showcase will feature panel discussions and a networking session, providing a unique opportunity for young people to meet a range of creative industry professionals from the region.

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, director, Institute of Education, Arts and Society at University of Cumbria (Image: University of Cumbria) Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, director of the university Institute of Education, Arts and Society, said: "We recognise the importance of the arts to our community, culture and society; and as a university of and for Cumbria with a specialist campus delivering arts education for six decades, we play a vital role in supporting those who want to develop their skills to be a part of that, now and in the future.

"We have put together a packed programme for our Industry Event and we’re proud to have alumni, practitioners and professionals joining us to impart their knowledge to future generations and look forward to welcoming schools and colleges to our Brampton Road campus."

Places to attend the university Creative Careers Industry Afternoon can be booked online.

Also, this semester, fine art lecturer Katy Little, who specialises in drawing, painting and soft sculpture, has launched a new series of public workshops.

A live drawing workshop took place earlier this month with future events planned, including a Lino Printing Christmas Cards workshop on November 13, and a Portrait Drawing workshop on December 11.

Into the new year, future workshops scheduled are Plasma drawing (January 15), Life Drawing (February 12), and Ceramics (March 12).

These tutored sessions are open to artists of all abilities, from seasoned professionals to beginners.

Videographer Adrian Naik delivers his In Sights session to photography students at University of Cumbria (Image: University of Cumbria) Additionally, new professional workshops have been introduced to bring industry practice into the classroom for university photography students.

Set up by senior lecturer Rob Sara, programme leader for BA (Hons) Photography, Cumbrian videographer Adrian Naik led the first workshop recently.

Other visiting professionals will include portrait photographer Drew Forsyth on November 12 and still life photographer Susan Castillo on November 26.