PEOPLE can stretch their creative muscles this autumn with two free projects offered online by Cockermouth-based Kirkgate Arts.

If Photographs Could Talk is a creative writing course, Make It Now embraces a range of arts and crafts.

Kirkgate Arts has commissioned two professionals to support participants in their activities – inspired by items from the rich collection of the Cockermouth Heritage Group.

This inspiration and support is all provided online, so participants can take part from the safety and comfort of their own home. The courses are free, having been made possible by Arts Council Lottery funding. Those who take part and submit completed works will receive a £10 voucher against future Kirkgate Arts activities.

Kirkgate artistic director Chris Bridgman said: “This is a great way of using historical treasures to inspire people in very contemporary activities, supported by blogs and a FaceBook group.

“Our Cockermouth Heritage collection has an amazing variety of pictures and documents, and the tutors have picked a few of these to kick-start creative projects.”

The professional artist is Celia Burbush, of recent fame with her winning appearance on BBC television series Home is Where the Art Is, and former Cumbrian Artist of the Year.

Celia has created a series of films which give step-by-step tuition on approaches including craft, design, film, and more traditional painting techniques. The course takes inspiration from original accounts of day to day life in Cumbria over the centuries.

“As we’ve found through the lockdown period, art has been a sanctuary for many people”, says Celia “It’s also been a way to express our renewed appreciation of nature, and spending time with loved ones.

“I had this in mind whilst making the films, and I look forward to some interesting discussions and tutorials as people continue on their creative journeys.”

Writing tutor Lucy Burnett will provide an introductory video and then six weekly writing prompts using pictures from Cockermouth Heritage Collection.

Lucy is a former director at the Arvon Foundation Lumb Bank Writing Centre, and senior lecturer and programme leader in creative writing at the University of Cumbria. Her third poetry collection will be published next year.

Lucy said: “I was spoilt for choice with the images from the Heritage Group, but I’ve picked a really varied selection, ranging from women working at Miller’s Shoe Factory to a performing bear! It’s all about imagining yourself into these situations - and finding your own responses. I’m really looking forward to what people write - whether that’s poetry, prose, drama, whatever.”

The projects have been made possible by a grant from the Arts Council Lottery fund. For more details, go to: www.kirkgatearts.org.uk.