A Cumbrian arts collective has officially launched as a community interest company (CIC) as it aims to further benefit creatives in the local area. 

SoMo Creation is the brainchild of former University of Cumbria Fine Art students Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes.

The duo volunteered together regularly at university and wanted to help promote arty events in Carlisle once they graduated. 

And after a year of hard work, the two registered as a CIC in August 2024, with the aim of boosting the creative community in Cumbria for many years to come. 

They said: "We really enjoyed working alongside one another and felt as though we could see ourselves doing this together after we had finished university.

"We set SoMo up with an aim to provide and promote creative events in Carlisle and the surrounding areas. With community and collaboration as our core principles, we also offer support and guidance to artists who are looking for opportunities and connections in the creative community."

Recently, Sophie and Molly were curators of the Historic Quarter Arts Festival Exhibition in Carlisle, while they are currently working on an Arts@60 exhibition, which celebrates the work of University of Cumbria alumni and current students, taking place in November.

They added: "We wanted to become a Community Interest Company so that we could benefit the community, and provide a social purpose through the work that we do. There are so many possibilities for a CIC, and it also means that we are now eligible for certain funding, which means that we can take our plans, and hopefully make them happen!

"Our hope for SoMo is for it to grow over time, and develop into a network that connects artists and creatives. Collaboration has such a positive impact. It allows creatives to connect with one another and encourages them to share thoughts and ideas. Collaboration enables creatives to broaden their possibilities, and acts as a powerful opportunity for growth!

"As we grow as a CIC, we hope to be able to provide more art related opportunities, through open calls, events and workshops. The possibilities are endless!"