Carlisle's newest art gallery that believes in the power of creativity to build kinder communities officially opened its doors on Saturday.

The Closet, on English Street, is a collaboration between Queer Cumbria and RAW Arts CIC that, in addition to exhibiting art, will hold drop-in workshops, book groups, weekly youth socials, and peer support groups. 

Its launch on Saturday brought together people of all ages - with the oldest visitor being 86 - as well as singer Will Young, who popped up from Ulverston where he was performing that night.

Will Young said: "Places like The Closet are essential for communities and I’m thrilled to have visited it."

Steven Westgarth, co-director of Queer Cumbria, added: "It was such a nice day, it was lovely.

"We were open yesterday [Monday] as well and we had plenty of people pop in and support it.

"It's just been great, it's been a really lovely experience and it's exciting to see where it's going to go."

The Closet provides a kind and supportive environment for people from marginalised groups, particularly those who are working class, queer, or people of colour, to exhibit their work. 

Members of the community have been renovating the space over the last couple of months using paint and brushes from The Rebuild Site, Storm Electrical Contractors who sorted out the electrics, and Donaldson's Furnishers who provided the new flooring.

"We wanted to do this solidarity space because there's been so much division in communities for such a long time," said Mr Westgarth.

"We wanted to make a space that isn't just about LGBT people, it's about stronger communities across all the different groups of people coming together."

The first of The Closet's weekly events launches this week with the Visible Mending Circle on Tuesday between 6-8pm. 

People can learn how to mend and customise their clothes with Jess Autumn Bell in this workshop.

All materials are provided, attendees just need to bring their clothes, bags, hats, or shoes. 

The Closet is open on Tuesday from 12-6pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm. It wall open occasionally on Wednesday and Friday.