As the only specialist disability arts organisation in Cumbria, we empower learning disabled and autistic (LDA) people who are more likely to be unemployed and typically poorer than the general population, which impacts negatively on wellbeing, self-esteem, and opportunities for cultural participation. LDA people are frequently socially isolated, and this is made worse by Cumbria’s rurality and poor transportation. They also lack opportunities to work in the creative sector.

Prism has been delivering programmes for learning disabled and autistic visual and performing artists since 1987. For 37 years, we have been creating opportunities for LDA adults to make excellent art, develop skills, and showcase their talents through exhibitions and performances while boosting confidence and wellbeing. We also provide opportunities for artists to gain employment experience through internships and provide leadership to the cultural sector.