A SPECIAL programme is being launched for artists looking to take their career to the next step.

The Cumbria Museum Consortium is working in partnership with Signal Film and Media, and applications are now open for SOURCE, their Cumbria Artists Digital Development Lab.

The free opportunity for Cumbrian-based artists will be led by a mix of the county’s cultural organisations, artists and curators.

The idea is to connect, support and develop eight artists at the early-to-mid stages of their career.

Artists will have the opportunity to work with one of the host organisations involved such as Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Windermere Jetty Museum, Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, and Signal Film and Media, allowing them time to explore the site.

Two intensive training labs, hosted at Signal Film & Media in Barrow and the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere, will focus on how creative technology or digital media can develop or expand the artistic practice.

Signal film and media co-director Loren Slater said: “We’re thrilled to partner with leading Cumbrian cultural venues to offer a joined-up course that will provide a fantastic and meaningful opportunity for Cumbrian artists to not only learn about new digital ideas and skills, but also to make connections with each other - and excitingly with the venues, they will work with.

“In the past, on our similar courses, participants got so much professionally and personally out of the workshops, networking and making/exhibiting opportunities that we were really keen to provide more of these much-needed networking opportunities in Cumbria.”

Applications are encouraged from artists working in the county and who are working in all disciplines, even if they have never worked with technology or digital media before. Travel expenses bursaries are also available. Applications can be made at signalfilmandmedia.com/source.

The closing date is midnight on February 3, with the programme beginning on Saturday, March 21.