Three artists are being sought to create unique pieces through a new project focusing on the county, with each having the incentive of a £25,000 grant.

People from across all disciplines – poets, visual and digital artists, writers, theatre and filmmakers, composers – can apply for one of the Catalyst: Creative Residencies in Cumbria spots.

It is intended for artists committed to Cumbria, whether early or mid-career.

Catalyst is delivered by three Cumbrian organisations: Art Gene, Cumbria Arts and Culture Network, and the University of Cumbria thanks to £75k funding from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria LEP, said: “The LEP recognises and appreciates the importance of culture, heritage and arts in place making and place shaping and we formed a Creative and Cultural Sector Panel some time ago to support the future development of the sector.

“We want artists within the county and across the UK to apply and interpret the county in whatever way they wish.

"The purpose of these residencies is to promote the entirety of the county, its nature, industry and heritage by creating a great piece of art or new experience.”

Colette Conroy, from the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, said: "We're looking for art that celebrates Cumbria as a place and that interprets and explores what is uniquely different and distinctive about it."

The residencies will occur between May 2024 and February 2025.

A fee of £25,000 inclusive of all costs incurred during the residency will be provided for each selected artist.

The closing date for applications is March 3, and can be made online via www.art-gene.co.uk/catalyst.