Prism Arts Take Over Tullie Museum with Celebratory Exhibition of Difference, Identity and Joy

Carlisle, UK – July 2025

This summer, Prism Arts—Carlisle’s progressive and inclusive arts charity—staged a bold and joyful takeover of Tullie Museum and Art Gallery with PRISM 2025: an exploration of surface and self. The exhibition celebrated difference, identity and joy, showcasing work by talented learning disabled and neurodivergent artists from across Cumberland.

From the moment visitors stepped through the doors of Tullie’s newly refurbished entrance, they were immersed in colour, creativity and storytelling. The exhibition transformed not just the welcome area, but also the Garden, Lecture Theatre, and City Hall Studio into spaces alive with meaning, beauty and impact.

Art That Speaks Loudly and Clearly

PRISM 2025 featured an impressive range of artworks: from large-scale paintings and digital pieces to delicate ceramics, intricate 3D forms, and immersive storytelling installations. Each piece offered a unique perspective, inviting audiences to explore identity and lived experience through the eyes of the artists.

Described by visitors as “a vibrant and thought-provoking celebration of creative expression,” the exhibition didn’t just showcase work—it challenged cultural perceptions of difference and placed the voices of Prism Arts’ studio members firmly in the spotlight.

An Exciting Partnership

This exhibition marks the latest in a long-standing partnership between Prism Arts and Tullie, following previous collaborations like Cultures Collide (2019) and Driggsby, a Whale’s Tale (2019–21).

“This exhibition is one of the most special things we’ve done in a long time. I can’t think of another organisation better suited to be one of the first to display here at Tullie in our newly refurbished spaces.”

A celebratory private view was held on Friday 11 July, welcoming guests to the showcase with speeches from Tullie’s Anna Smalley, Prism’s Interim Director Alison Barker and Co-Creative Director Martin Swan, and Carlisle MP Julie Minns. Visitors throughout the exhibition shared glowing feedback:

“This has been my favourite exhibition in Tullie for a long time. The work complements and enhances the new spaces beautifully.”

“The quality of the exhibits is exceptional.”

“This work is important – not just for the individuals at Prism Arts, but for the wider public – to experience art that is bold, authentic, and different.”

Exhibiting Opportunities Across the Region

Prism Arts continues to create meaningful opportunities for learning disabled and neurodivergent creatives to exhibit their work and develop as professional artists. Their exhibitions have toured venues including Brewery Arts in Kendal, Carlisle Cathedral, Dove Cottage in Grasmere, and Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire.

For many artists, the opportunity to showcase and sell their work is life-changing. Artist Catherine Quilter shared:

“Someone may like it and put it on their walls, put it in a big frame, keep it forever, put it up high, and remember me who put in all that hard work.”

Didn’t Catch PRISM 2025?

While the main exhibition has now closed, selected works from PRISM 2025 remain on display in Tullie’s garden boards and will be available to view until September 2025.