UPDATE ON BECOMING A MEMBER....
April 2008

We have always looked at introducing a paying membership scheme as a way to help sustain the Network, and in February we reviewed the idea.

We posted questions to members on the forum, and your feedback suggested that it would be a good idea to keep membership FREE for now until we have resumed activities and events. (2007 saw much less in the way of activities as we concentrated on getting the website up and running).

Therefore, Network membership will remain FREE this year, and will be reviewed again in March 2009.

There will be slight tweaks to our membership systems during May to accommodate this, (e.g. we've temporarily removed our join forms and these will be integrated within the web system). We'll keep you up to date about this and other membership developments via the newsletter (subscribe to the newsletter on the home page and on this page.

If you would like to add your thoughts and comments about membership scheme and what it might mean to you, then visit the forum here: http://www.thecumbrianetwork.co.uk/what-do-you-think-about-network-membe...

So how do I join?

Simply go to the home page and click 'create new account'.

You will then be temporarily upgraded to full Member status, and we will contact you after the review in 2009 about further developments.

When you have created a new user account, you can edit your own profile page and enjoy full access to the website.

For the time being you will need to 'subscribe to the newsletter' separately to receive the weekly e-bulletin (on the homepage).

Why should I join the Network?

The Cumbrian Network exists for, because of and through its members. To bend a phrase: “Without you, there’s nothing!”

So what’s in it for me I hear you ask? Why should I join?
Well here are a few suggestions:

Get involved
•Be a part of a lively arts community: network with other members – share ideas, information and contacts either using the online community or the various meets and activities around the county
•Take advantage of the opportunities and events posted by other members including, work and gallery offers
•Help decided how the network is run and what it does through the HUBs and other meetings

(HUBs are local networking groups of artists initiated through the Network in 2006 with the aim of creating a stronger community of active artists throughout the county. Currently there are HUBs in Carlisle, West (Cockermouth based), South Lakes (meeting in Kendal) and Penrith. Anyone can join in HUB meetings and get involved in their activities, and if you would like to create a new HUB based on geography or subject then get in touch and we'll support your group in its development..... E.G. we can bring in and pay for specialist support)

Get support
•Be the first to hear about opportunities through the weekly newsletter
•Use the online resource banks – and the resources offered by other members
•Get support, advice and guidance from other members and the network staff, and through local groups of artists HUBs

Get creative
•Take part in Network activities such as trips out, symposia, summer camps and Interconnect events
•Come along to your local Network Hub and get involved in more creative adventures

Promote your work
•Create a profile online to show off your talents, your work and who you are;
•Upload images to your own gallery
•Post information about your exhibitions on the events diary
•Link to your own website through your Network profile page

Grow a little
•We can buy-in specialists, trainers and other artists to help you develop artistically and professionally – let us know!
•Get out to new exhibitions and art forums and represent the network at conferences and other gatherings – all expenses paid!

As you can see the Network only works if people get involved, get creative and get networking! So here’s what we ask you to do…..

•Contribute information, knowledge, contacts and resources
•Initiate or get along to some activities and events
•Instigate or add your voice to critical debate on the web or at meetings
•Spread the word to artists and others – the more members the merrier!

If you would like to host or organise a networking event, workshop, gathering or other (suggestions welcome) then do get in touch. If your proposal fits in with our aims we may be able to help support it.

Any questions?

Then get in touch: post [at] thecumbrianetwork [dot] co [dot] uk / 01768 861667 (Thursdays)