Nine Cumbrian businesses have joined forces to provide 900 families struggling with the increased Cost of Living with free access to the arts, heritage and education.
Leading organisations across the county have each funded 100 Community Day Tickets to Carlisle’s popular museum, art gallery and community hub, Tullie, as part of the venue’s Culture for All campaign.
The initiative has been introduced to provide cultural experiences to families across Cumbria who typically miss out due to financial pressures.
Support for the Culture for All initiative has been secured from:
- 32West
- Bendles Solicitors
- Forth
- Genesis Homes
- Netherby Hall
- Pentonbridge Inn
- Rachael Bell Wealth Management
- Saint & Co Chartered Accountants
- Thomson Roddick Callan.
The 900 tickets will be distributed to families currently under financial strain through partnerships with charities Carlisle Youth Zone, The Rock Youth Project, Cumbria Family Support, Carlisle Foodbank and Goodlives.
Each ticket covers admission for one adult and up to four children, and refreshments in Tullie’s newly refurbished café.
Andrew Mackay, Director of Tullie, said: “Culture should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. As the country goes through a Cost of Living crisis, we know that for many families the cost of visiting cultural venues can be difficult to justify when household budgets are stretched.
“We are very grateful for the generosity of these nine fantastic Cumbrian businesses supporting our Culture for All campaign who have removed that barrier and will give up to 900 families the opportunity to enjoy everything Tullie has to offer.
“This campaign is about much more than free admission. It is about creating memorable experiences, supporting learning, improving wellbeing and ensuring more children and families feel connected to the rich culture and heritage of Cumbria.”
The launch of Culture for All follows nationwide research which found that there is an ‘experience gap’ where children from so-called low-income backgrounds are denied opportunities to engage with history, science, art and culture outside the classroom.
Andrew said: “We have firsthand experience of how visits to arts and cultural institutions such as Tullie can help build confidence, inspire curiosity and support learning while providing families with a welcoming environment in which to spend quality time together.“Working with the businesses means we are all collaborating to create meaningful opportunities for families to learn together which will make a tangible impact on communities across Cumbria.”
Tullie is an award-winning museum, art gallery and community hub which welcomes thousands of visitors through its doors each year by hosting exhibitions, collections, educational programmes, workshops and family activities.
Tullie is an independent charitable trust which is dependent on support from Cumberland Council, Arts Council England, visitors, supporters, grants and charitable foundations.
Council Leader, Mark Fryer, said: “The Culture for All initiative is fantastic for the region and will open the doors to the history, culture and arts of Cumbria for up to 900 families who wouldn’t usually have the opportunity.
“It’s to the great credit of the nine participating businesses that they are helping so many low-income families enjoy all the amazing services Tullie has to offer, and these trips could potentially change a child’s perspective on education and learning and inspire them on the pathway to an exciting career in the arts.”
All tickets will be distributed to families via the charity partners and all requests for passes should be made directly to these organisations. Tickets are valid from September to December 2026 to cover the October half term holidays and Christmas period.
Any charitable organisation wishing to be involved in the Culture For All campaign and distribute tickets can register their interest at bookings@tullie.org.uk.
