About Prism

Our Vision

A society where learning disabled and neurodivergent people can express their experiences and insight creatively, making powerful, high-quality work that is shared, recognised and respected. 

What We Do

Based in Carlisle, Prism Arts is an inclusive Cumbrian arts organisation established in 1987 to champion the creative vision and voices of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists and performers. We run multi art form workshops, residencies and long-term programmes which spark creativity, build community and provide lifechanging opportunities for learning disabled and neurodivergent people.

Our Stories

Our Approach

We are determined that the insight and perspectives of LDND people should be shared, recognised, and respected.

Our wide-ranging programmes support long-term creative progression, provide residencies with partner organisations or host short-course or one-off workshops or experiences. These allow LDND people to encounter different artforms, explore their own choices and develop creative freedom.

We run regular creative programmes in Carlisle for adults over the age of 18. You can find out more about each studio and how to join on our enrollment page:

Enroll

Inclusive Leadership

Formed in 2024, our Advisory Board is an emerging group of studio members who bring lived experience, creativity, and insight into the heart of our organisation. The group plays an influential role in shaping our work, contributing to decision-making and leading meaningful change from within.

Our Strategic Framework:

Ensure our creative programme and its aims are clear, inclusive and dynamic.

Improve access to creative arts for learning-disabled or neurodivergent people.

Build a distinctive sense of place; in our premises, our city, our region, our sector and nationwide.

Gain profile, audience and kudos for our organization and for the knowledge, experience and insights of learning-disabled and neurodivergent people expressed through high-quality art.