Handpicked Productions has secured funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, enabling the organisation to continue and expand its creative programme for young people and families in Cleator Moor. 

 

Since 2023, Handpicked Productions has been delivering Art Gyms for young people aged 10–16 in Cleator Moor. The programme has gone from strength to strength and now takes place in Handpicked’s new creative studio at Phoenix Court. 

 

Families have also been getting creative through SumArt To Do, Handpicked’s programme of accessible creative workshops during school holidays, with each session offering a new theme and activity to explore together. 

 

The new funding will help Handpicked strengthen and develop this creative offer, providing more opportunities for young people and families to experiment, learn new skills and discover the benefits of creativity. 

 

Anne Timpson, Director of Handpicked Productions, said: 

 

“We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the value and need for our work in Cleator Moor. Their support means we are able to deliver more activities for children, young people and families in our new studio over the next 12 months.  We’re excited to welcome   more people form the local community into our creative  space to see what we can create together. 

 

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support that has helped us get to this point, and particularly to Mark Wear for all the support he has shown us.” 

 

Art Gyms takes place every Monday during term time from 6–8pm at Handpicked Productions, Phoenix Court, Cleator Moor, and is open to young people aged 10–16. Sessions provide a space beyond school where young people can experiment, express themselves and develop their creative skills, whether working independently or alongside others. They are free to register thanks so the funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Donations are welcomed.  

 

SumArt To Do offers families the chance to get creative together during the school holidays. Sessions explore different themes and techniques throughout the year, with the next workshop during October half term inviting families to get crafty for Halloween. 

 

All sessions are led by professional artist Janice Murray, with activities designed to introduce young people and families to creative techniques they may not have tried before. The programme also connects with Handpicked’s wider creative work and events. 

 

This includes A Mid-Winter Hullabaloo, a new winter celebration created with communities across West Cumbria, which welcomed 851 participants when it took place in January 2026. 

 

The National Lottery Community Fund support will help Handpicked Productions build on this work and continue creating opportunities for local people to make, experiment, connect and shape the cultural life of their community.