THE University of Cumbria is going to 'put a hold' on its performing arts courses due to ‘reduced demand’.

But while the courses are being put on hold, the University's new Citadel campus will include a provision for the arts, including a new multi-purpose 200-seater lecture theatre that can be used for community art performances.

University of Cumbria Director of the Institute of Arts, Colette Conroy, said the new campus will also house a central forum area ‘at its heart’, creating a space for open air performances.  

"We have seen a reduced demand for our performing arts courses," she said, "but we are actively working with staff at our Institute of Arts to develop this area with a focus on building the work we do in and with our communities.

"Within our Institute we do reflect on demand, consider new and progressive areas that are supported by our programme development and maintain committed to ensuring our Arts offer reflects needs locally and nationally."

According to Department for Culture Media and Sport, the creative industries contribute £115.9 billion to the UK economy, accounting for 5.9 per cent.

Ms Conroy went on: "We are developing our offer to our local community and doubling our efforts to engage young people in the arts through theatre and performance. 

"We believe graduates, employers and society have lots to gain from the specific and transferable skills students choosing to study in this field gain; and we will continue to do all we can to promote this, equipping graduates to thrive in their chosen field of practice and careers whilst supporting the growth and prosperity of our region and beyond.

"Meanwhile, academic jobs remain secure as we develop our future plans," she said.

Poppy Rowan, a former student of performance art at the University and now events manager at music venue The Source Collective, said 'it’s such a shame' that the course will not be continued.

"We're opening our doors at the Source Collective for workshop facilitators who would maybe be interested in hosting music and drama workshops," she said, "because we really want to help facilitate more of the arts for young people as well as for people who just want to watch and be entertained. 

"We want to help with the growth of the next generation of musicians and performers within Carlisle," she said.