Local young people from across Cumbria have been celebrating Cumbria’s creativity past and present, composing a new piece of music inspired by William Wordsworth. We are delighted to be able to share a virtual celebration of their new piece created through the project Encountering Wordsworth, with an online film while the full premiere performance of this new work has been postponed until next year.

We are working with Manchester Camerata and composer Richard Taylor to connect with the people of Withernsea through a virtual singing project, where participants will be able to make music and share stories about life during lockdown in their town.

There are many communities who are unable to access digital technology and who therefore miss out on the arts activity happening online since the start of lockdown. We have been working with our project partners to find solutions to keep these communities connected in equally creative, 'offline' ways.

As the cultural sector continues to evolve rapidly, why is it that UK conservatoires are still struggling to enrol diverse students? Administration and Communications Assistant Tom Foster reflects on how current practice can adapt.