Prism Art being donated which will be proudly displayed in Carlisle Masonic Hall
- Freemasons’ Donation: Cumbria Freemasons have generously donated £4,000 to Prism Arts in Carlisle, supporting individuals with disabilities and learning difficulties1.
- Masonic Charitable Trust: The donation is part of a funding scheme from the Masonic Charitable Trust, aimed at driving positive change2.
- Prism Arts’ Mission: Established in 1987, Prism Arts is dedicated to providing inclusive theatre and visual art workshops, fostering the development of artists with learning disabilities and/or autism34.
- Artistic Contribution: A piece of artwork from Prism Arts was gifted to the Freemasons and will be displayed in the Carlisle Masonic Hall as a token of appreciation.
The Masonic Charitable Trust, also known as the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), is a leading grant-making charity funded entirely by Freemasons, their families, and friends. It is one of the largest charities in the UK, providing around £20 million in support each year1. The MCF offers a wide range of grants for charitable projects that help local communities across England and Wales. It also supports individuals in need, Masonic families, other charities, hospices, air ambulances, and international disaster relief appeals2.
The Foundation’s work includes tackling some of society’s most important issues through grants to both local and national charities, and partnerships with leading organizations in the sector. Their priorities include supporting early years (0-5), children affected by domestic abuse, children with special educational needs and disabilities, and people with dementia and their carers3.
Prism Arts is dedicated to delivering inclusive theatre and visual art workshops for people with learning disabilities and/or autism. Operating for over 35 years, they are based in Carlisle but extend their work throughout Cumbria. Their mission is to nurture and develop diverse artists, helping them find their voice and gain the confidence to express it1. They offer programs that enable learning-disabled and/or autistic creatives to drive their own artistic journey and emerge as artists, leaders, and advocates for change2.
The organization provides more than 4,500 people each year with the confidence, skills, and drive they need to grow their independence and enhance their wellbeing. As an independent charity, Prism Arts relies on the support of others to help empower people with learning disabilities and/or autism3. They also run special projects, like a free 2-day art course for young neurodivergent creatives, led by professional artists, which allows participants to meet new friends and showcase their work2.