Communities

Getting to know our community is at the heart of everything we do at Tullie.

From bringing exciting touring exhibitions to Carlisle to running regular, free community activities and events, everything we do is designed with you in mind.

We’re always looking for ways to connect with more people and reflect the diversity of our community. We do this through running monthly groups, creative partnerships, youth work and bespoke projects.

You can find out more about our FREE, regular activities and groups below:

If you’re part of a youth or community group that supports people to get involved in social and creative activities, we have a brilliant community membership scheme to make visiting the museum more accessible.

To find out more about our community membership scheme and see if you meet the criteria, click here.

We’re also able to bring creative and engaging activities out into community spaces, or welcome groups here at the museum for inspiring visits and workshops. We’d love to work with you.

For any enquiries email community@tullie.org.uk

“

Art group boosted my confidence and uplifted my spirit, while also making me laugh again.
Art Group attendee, 2021

“

It’s a really enjoyable afternoon with good company. Lovely talks and things to do and sometimes music and signing. Interesting conversation. A really good afternoon. I will keep coming.
Meet Me at the Museum attendee

“

I thought the class was great fun. The group was very relaxed. I learned a way of mixing colours that I would never have thought of. Mixing colour is very important for artists and this was a lesson on how to get the colours you need for your work. I loved the class. I look forward to the next one and don't want to miss a single one. The teacher was truly excellent in her delivery and the class very enjoyable.
Art Group attendee

“

Memories. Safe. To have fun and relaxed times in a nice big light room. Cake, talk, chat, space, art, fun, happy, pleasure, enjoy. Get out and enjoy, social event. Tea and cake. A chance to get out somewhere safe. Easy going. Smile. Friendly faces. Routine. Regular. Happy times to relax and take some time.
Meet Me at the Museum attendee

Community Projects

Chromatic Joy

A photography project working with local Global Majority collective, Carlidoscope, to coincide with the Colour exhibition.

Woman UP Colour Reel

A collaboration with Woman UP to host a film screening and discussing, highlighting the life and work of a significant female artist as part of the Colour exhibition programme.

Hues of the Sun Life Drawing Series

Clothed life drawing sessions with Global Majority models, facilitated by artist and activist Dani Münzel.

ESOL at Tullie

Through our Community Membership scheme we welcome English learners, providing additional activity to help them engage with the museum and collections.

Where Worlds Met Film Project

A short film documenting a local community visit to the SLR storage facility to explore Carlisle’s rich, multicultural Roman history. Part of the Uncovering Roman Carlisle: Where Worlds Met exhibition.

Carlisle Zine Fest

Created by artist and zine maker Jess Autumn, Tullie has hosted two editions of Zine Fest already. From April 2026, Zine Fest will be co-produced by the museum and our Young Producer group.

Re-write the Narrative Exhibition Project with Care-Experienced Young People

A partnership project between Tullie, Cumberland Council and local care-experienced young people.

National Saturday Club

A University of Cumbria and Tullie collaboration offering 13–16-year-olds a 15-week, hands-on introduction to art and design.

Feelings from the Fells

A collaboration with Young Woman UP, Beacon Hill School, Dreamscheme, and artist Emily Ford, working with with 50 young girls to create a unique soundscape for the Sheila Fell: Cumberland on Canvas exhibition.