Communities of west Cumbria will have the opportunity to see their own artwork displayed on a mobile cinema screen as part of the Whitehaven Alive festival.

The project, was run by local duo Morgan Murray Arts (Helen Morgan and Janice Murray), involved workshops in Cleator Moor, Workington, Maryport, and Whitehaven.

Participants worked on vintage and nostalgic images of the area, giving them a modern twist, as well as exploring portraiture and collage. The activities focused on the sense of place and identity, allowing participants to reflect on their personal experiences.

Over 100 people aged between 16 and 74 took part, many of whom had previously had limited access to art activities. The resulting creations will be showcased in a three-minute film to be shown on a mobile cinema screen this weekend.

Janice Murray from Morgan Murray Arts said: ”We developed a programme of artistic activity that was easy to access and required no artistic experience. Everyone loves to do a bit of colouring in. 

“We weren't prepared for the level of talent we discovered and the marvellous images they produced. We are so excited to see these translated onto the big screen and hope the participants will be too."

Sam Hunt  co-director We Are Here said: “This brilliant project came about through We Are Here! - an Arts Council England funded project which is seeing arts activity take place across West Cumbria. It is really great to see the community’s brilliant art work displayed in such a public way.”

People who took part in the sessions said: ”The work was creative and fun and I was able to zone-out as I worked on the art”. "I learnt a lot. I liked there was no pressure and no judgement”.

People can watch the film on Friday 8 September between 9am-12pm in Maryport - The Centre, on Saturday 9 September 9am-1pm in Workington and then from 2pm in Whitehaven.