Question 1: Have you been actively engaged with the EVAN network?

Out of 55 responses 48 said Yes, 7 said No.

Question 2: If you answered no, what prevented your engagement or what might help you engage more with the EVAN network in the future?

• I would rather do work related stuff on daytime rather than evenings.
• Illness and the lockdown have led to me doing nothing this year. I hope to get going again in January.
• It's more for artists than other handmade items.
• Covid partly (of course). I have refused to use Zoom due to privacy concerns, which has meant that I could not take part in any online socials. Being in the West it does feel like things are very Penrith focussed, which is understandable, but still feels like there is less.
• Other commitments and family.
• I did my duty before COVID but since then I haven't been involved.
• I was active prior to Coronavirus but since March my involvement has had to be put on hold because of my health putting me at risk.
• Very busy - and as a performing artist, not in main EVAN stream.
• Not really been engaged other than taking part in current exhibition, but Seamus and I are both quite new to the group, and its been lockdown, so in normal times our answer might be different!
• Living further away from Penrith and the gallery. Not knowing many people.
• More inclusivity is needed.

Question 3: Has EVAN helped you?

Out of 55 responses 51 said Yes, 4 said No.

Question 4: If you feel EVAN has helped you, can you tell us how?

• I love the social aspect of the group. Also, the members are happy to promote everybody's work, and pass on information or opportunities that they think might help a certain person.
• It is partly the inspiration and interactions with the other artist, partly the variety of different aspects, is the music. Maybe it's just the Gallery being there, but it is also the emails from Evan, that are positive and inclusive.
• Being in the gallery helps direct people to my workshop and gallery as does taking part in the open studio
• I have made both new friends and sold a lot of paintings
• Friendships, opportunities, Gallery is fab, Music events, projects, etc etc.
• The gallery has certainly given me a platform to show my work.
• Not this year.
• As an artist I have enjoyed being part of the community and have made some good friends as a result. I love being in the gallery, it is such a friendly and supportive group. There is always someone to help or give advice if I need it.
• I'm in the musical part of Evan, and it has helped me get more opportunities to play live.
• By providing opportunities to get involved with projects within the network and outside.
• I enjoy the connection that occurs in the network. But selling wise I haven't really been involved this year so that hasn't helped. The offers were there I just haven't taken them up this year.
• I like the fact that it is a co-operative. It is an ideal place to sell my work.
• Evan helped me move from someone who messed with paint just for his own use, and opened my horizons. Allowing me to leap forward in creativity, technique and embrace learning new methods and big ideas.
• It has helped me stay artfully active. It's given me opportunities tae show and sell my wares through exhibitions and stalls. Being part of EVAN I know if I have an artful query or even just a query, there's always someone there to help or point me in the right direction for that help.
• Organising opportunities to promote and sell.
• Although it was interesting to see how much you managed to do.
• Excellent series of discussions re ACE.
• Employed me for a workshop.
• Being in the Gallery.
• I took part in the Rheged event last year.
• A wider audience for my work and participating in events such as exhibitions, art trails and Textravaganza.
• Provided oportunities to exhibit.
• Given me, space in the gallery organized an open studio. some social connections. also space on the web site.
• Participated in Sept Open Studios and have pots in the Open Gallery exhibition.
• Support for music through the lockdown. Also providing links with artists to develop collaborative working ideas , sharing funding ideas and opportunities and to inspire.
• Become more aware of other artists and their work. EVAN has given me the opportunity to learn how to deliver online teaching through Zoom. I've learnt about funding, professional advice, projects and events going on in Cumbria and elsewhere.
• By allowing me to exhibit my work.
• Given me confidence in my art because of all my sales.
• have sold work through the gallery. It has provided a network of people, knowledge and inspiration.
• By running the Art Trail /Open Studios.
• Doing things for EVAN whilst in lockdown kept my motivation going. I also developed some new technical skills and on line delivery skills. With everything else pretty well cancelled being in the gallery has given me an outlet and manning the gallery a sense of some normality.
• No; only because I have recently joined.
• All at EVAN have helped to keep me informed about all aspects of art and culture in the Eden area via emails, Newsletters and online events.
• Provided a network of artists involved in a similar venture ,always friendly and welcoming ; a place to work , show and be in touch with the public.
• Providing an outlet for work and a community for support.
• Gallery space, Arts Council support sessions, friendly faces.
• By enabling me to exhibit work in the gallery, I have sold a few pieces. More importantly feeling part of a supportive artistic community. Awareness of the wider local creative community
• To exhibit, and feel part of a community.
• I have enjoyed participating in the art trail.
• I moved to the area 18 months ago and as a professional artist for over 30 years in Whitby, I had no contacts or artist friends in Cumbria. EVAN has been great for me although the Coronavirus has prevented my involvement over the last year.
• Connections to local artists, art events and a whole variety of different art opportunities.
• Opportunities for marketing and selling my work.
• It is so good to have a permanent place where my work is on display. Not having many other outlets this is really important.
• To feel part of an artistic community, to be involved in helping out in the gallery and getting to know a few people, and to offer opportunity to display (and hopefully sell) my work.
• By providing the opportunity to meet other artists and to exhibit my work.
• Contacts support friendship common goals.
• It's given me space to work and exhibit, improved my confidence, created opportunities to meet, work with and learn from other artists.
• I've learnt new skills in the running of the Gallery and some employment opportunities too.
• I'm working on exciting collaborations with other EVAN members as well as outside the group but which has been a direct result of being a member.
• I've learnt how to successfully apply for a grant for a project.
• I enjoy the opportunities to socialise with like minded folk and have made so many wonderful creative friends who have also been a great support when things get tough.
• Long winded I know and I'm sure I've missed some things out but you get the idea!.
• EVAN has helped in many ways. Firstly the support of other like minded people especially Simon and Maggie and many others in welcoming us into various groups, has boosted morale and confidence. Then there is the practical support of opportunities such as the gallery, a market place, somewhere to show and hopefully sell my work; and also of the talks and exercises from for example, the Arts Council. Then there is just the fun and purpose of taking part in something that is of value to the local communities, it all adds to sense of how we perceive ourselves I guess.
• EVAN was very understanding about my concerns over covid and about coming into the gallery to do my shifts.
• I was helped to play a part in the Festival and it has been a great experience to be part of helping a group to grow.
• Through signposting to available opportunities (that I wouldn't otherwise hear about), coordinating events such as the art trails and publicity via social media. Opportunity to permanently exhibit and sell via the gallery is also very welcome.

Question 5: How could EVAN help you more over the next 3 years?

• Continue to grow more to become a well-recognised group in Cumbria and further afield. Participate in more larger fairs or shows as a group.
• Just being there
• I am fine with the help I get
• Just keep on putting up with me!
• By bringing in more funding for exciting projects
• Keep the gallery and the events going please.
• EVAN is a lively, pro-active group.
• All very necessary for the mental well-being of those involved.
• Connections and opportunities
• I don't know. I always have trouble seeing into the future. I've been happy with what's been going on on the music side of Evan since I joined. Of course this year has been a nightmare for music in general. I have been vaguely wondering about joining EVAN proper for years, like from the very beginning.
• I'd like help with applying for grants. More selling opportunities.
• Help drive towards a unified art strategy that benefits artist and patron.
• Continue to support and perhaps open new income streams and ventures.
• I am hoping to step up on my personal development. This next year I would like to delve more intae the world of portraiture of the two legged species rather than four. Not sure how EVAN could help me here but I know me personally I am hoping to hold a few life drawing classes as in rounding up like minded folks, finding a willing model and taking it from there. Possibly renting the new space next door to EVAN Gallery or the likes.
• I don't know as I am not certain if I want to continue with membership. At the moment I feel disconnected from the network. I think that what I would find useful would be basic media training - understanding current social media and how to use it. An idiots guide with some ongoing support as just one workshop would not be enough.
• More workshops!
• More advice sessions.
• Provide a platform to get other forms of art recognition, it's a fabulous platform for artists with open exhibitions and competitions and it would be great to do the same thing incorporating design so everyone could join in
• I would love more gallery/exhibition/event opportunities. Perhaps more 'meet the maker' times to focus on individual members too.
• The textile-specific events were really good for me! I would love to see more of these.
• More Evan fair events? Maybe a list of art/fairs coming up so we can apply?
• Exhibitions.
• Can't think of anything.
• I am happy with things as they are.
• keep on keeping on. Develop more opportunities to link, to share to exhibit to support. I think you are doing the right things.
• More exhibitions either physical or virtual. More opportunities to teach and demonstrate.
• I think Evan is a great concept and allows members to be involved as much/little as they choose.
• You are doing a great job.
• Not sure at the moment.
• Looking forward to open exhibitions for different kinds of media. Exhibitions in different parts of Cumbria or beyond. I am hoping to restart setting up a textile group under the evan umbrella which was cut short with the pandemic.
• By continuing to run the Art Trail/Open Studios
• Not being a planner that far ahead all I can think is that I've enjoyed some of the opportunities I've had with EVAN. As I like doing new things I'd just like to be able to continue to take the opportunities that interest me.
• Great to hear about exhibitions galleries and space for advertising or getting my work more well known in the local area.
• More performance based projects.
• Its doing pretty well at the moment , there are often opportunities advertised on the website/fb page , perhaps more on site facilities for printing , for example ? Wouldn't mind having more art classes , life drawing /portrait , untutored
• More of the same!
• Collaborating constructively and effectively with other local arts organisations can only have positive consequences for EVAN artists. Recognise that professional artists and 'hobby' artists face different challenges and need different types of support and representation. Professionalise and digitise the art trail. Ensure that EVAN is led by a diverse team and that decisions/representation aren't always made by the same person/people. Transparency over who is paid and who is voluntary and how that all works. I've heard very contradictory stuff. Get the gallery online too. If funding bids to develop EVAN haven't been successful in the past then maybe it's time for a bit of a shake up.
• It would be great to have group classes in the evenings.
• By carrying on the same.
• opportunities to show and sell paintings.
• Help with exhibitions, social events would be nice, not necessarily in Penrith.
• Not much more I think.
• Any, all or some of:
  Evan and WCA in the west could do more to look beyond Cumbria with events.
  I would like to see the an Open being a bit cleverer. I think it has been excellent in the East but I think small concentrated events might be better (but please note I am biased as in the west we have large distances to cover and is really hard for some of us to get it to work). I would like to reduce road miles covered for enviro reasons.
  I would like to see an event that really connects with the tourists in the central lakes.
  'd like more done for younger artists (18-30 say) and I'd love to see them gifted funds to put an event and some money for their time and design a theme and get few of us involved. Something fresh and new.
  I'd like to see more arty interaction, where people talk about art, play art but ideally something central for members
  I'd like Evan to end Covid, its let me down on that."
• More events and marketing opportunities particularly online
• Refresh the Gallery more often with equal priority given to all members.
• Be less focused on Penrith and more Cumbrian based.
• By offering other opportunities to display work.
• By keeping going! By maintaining a hub for the interaction of artists and makers. Not only for myself but for the community at large in order to nurture a future sustained by creativity and innovation.
• More of the same.
• Who knows? - I never expected any of the above!! What I do know is that in EVAN the more you put in to it the more you gain.
• I'm looking forward to seeing what opportunities arise and how I can be involved contributing on my artistic journey.
• Continuing to offer opportunities and connections, more of the same. And looking forward to new ops as well.
• Continue providing opportunities!
• I think I would feel better respected by being seen as part of a group that wants to help and invite all other groups and Artists in Cumbria, regardless their history within the arts in Cumbria. We need to grow and be respected through inclusivity for all folk with good talent and those who are seen as passionate creatives.
• More events, perhaps in the summer, such as an EVAN in the Pens... with all members exhibiting in one place? Or at some of the shows such as Lowther...?

Question 6: What are your main concerns about your creative work at the moment?

• The financial impact of the COVID pandemic. The knock-on impact if small shops and galleries which stock my work close for good.
• Becoming jaded, not moving forward, a general feeling of powerlessness and depression regard the way things are going and the effect of this on my work.
• Just the uncertainty about whether I can keep my shop open and whether I can teach safely.
• A little subdued in both out put and creative ideas. Under stimulation probably.
• Selling work!
• The block put on my creative motivation by Covid.
• The gallery members have done their best to keep functioning and to keep the gallery open when possible. Due to health reasons I have been shielding, but the EVAN community have been very active in keeping all members involved in virtual art and social activities. "
• Time to focus on business
• Lack of focus in my work / lack of any real direction, also in life in general I guess.
• Decimation of live music, including social interaction aspects of being at events, however informal, as well as actual performance. Also this isn't about my music, but ... it is a very big concern for me in my wider creative work. The main way I have been able to monetise my artistic output (...) has been more in a kind of applied visual arts / illustration, and has relied heavily on mail order, mainly international. And I can see it getting harder, I guess mainly due to rocketing costs (postage costs and more). So I guess I am really worried about the feasibility of continuing with that, and thinking, (but not very constructively) about how to proceed forward.
• Finding the time.
• I'm quite happy with my work but would like more opportunities to do collaborative work.
• If we had a higher frequency of shows with greater attendance it would push me to be more productive.
• None.
• Running out of customers! Just because of the nature of my art, I mainly rely on commissions. Not many folks have the money for essentials never mind 'luxury' items like artwork!
• I am not certain about the future and where I see my work going.
• Just getting back into the work.
• Lost my mojo a bit.
• Inspiration.
• I often feel that I do not push myself enough. General concerns about the recession ad having enough place to display at the moment.
• Lack of audience except online.
• No where to create.
• Lack of exhibitions.
• Don't have any concerns at the moment.
• None really.
• Missing physical space. Sharing music through playing in the same room (Tom has been strong in helping here though). Funding.
• Financial worries are not conducive to a spirit of creativity. Exhibition and teaching opportunities have reduced and may not pick again. Fewer direct sales from the studio and online.
• Lack of inspiration.
• I am going through a transitional period I haven't been able to do much art in the last month as I am in the process of moving house ( down sizing ) which is a nightmare !!
• Finding time but because my work is time consuming would welcome a year plan as to what is happening. That doesn't change forgiving this last year as it has been a difficult one.
• Not selling enough!
• I think if I was dependant on my creative work for income I'd be worried about the current climate of uncertainty.
• Reaching out to an audience and getting known for the work I do, but as i have launched recently this could change over the next year and I'm hoping it will too.
• My worries about Coronavirus and local lockdowns have destroyed my motivation to produce new work this year. I'm hoping that will change in the new year and once I have access to a suitable vaccine.
  can't do it!
• I'm finding sales are not brilliant for me at the moment , but that may also be partly the fault of the difficult year we've had .
• Lack of motivation.
• Lack of time to optimise my potential.
• Income.
• I think we would both like to sell more, to clear our studio spaces for making more.
• No selling any work.
• I have no major concerns.
• Its not been an easy year. For some of us staying in work has been difficult, for me not so much, in fact the opposite. This is good and I am grateful. But this has had the nasty side effect of muddling work, art and life together in the same location. This has definitely had both a time and negative creative impact.
• I would like sabatical time to be just in creative spaces, a sort of temporary studio environment away from it all.
• I want to talk, see smell and hear art and craft and creation to get back into a creative groove.
• Practically I am well digitally connected but it has suddenly become very difficult to be heard above the noise and I would like to broaden my digital skills into new areas.
• Lack of online opportunities.
• I'm starting out as a full time potter. Need time and continuity to develop.
• Lack of feedback and networking.
• I thrive on person to person stimulus, especially art workshops. Not being able to have these face to face, I am enjoying some online workshops.
• Heartbreak.
• Just need to get down to it.
• The usual- time versus ability.
• I don't seem to get time to do enough to make the gallery worth my while, when I add on a day's cover it feels that the gallery cost me. I really need to be doing much more work to be a gallery member.
• Cash flow through lack of events during the difficult year.

Question 7: Have you ever applied for grants or funds for your work?

Out of 54 responses 16 said Yes, 38 said No.

Question 8: If you answered yes, what did you apply for and were you successful?

• Money towards my website 3 years ago.
• ACE Projects Grants and DYCP, unsuccessful.
• Lots of funding obtained for EVAN from local councils etc.
• Arts Council funding for c-art installation.
• Arts Council many years ago.
• Sometimes.
• To put on an exhibition as part of the Carlisle Fringe. I was successful.
• ACE emergency Covid funding- successful.
• funds no longer run the same way.
• An artists materials grant in 1993 for £250 ! I have applied for others but wasn't successful.
• Education grants from various funding councils. Mostly out reach so using digital technology to teach. I tried ACE once and was put off by the complexity and seeming unfairness of it all (probably unjustly).
• Successful:
  Arts Council (Pig in Japan) - to exhibit and teaching Japan.
  Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation - for solo exhibition one inkpaintngs at Upfront Gallery.
• Self employment grant for loss of income from HMRC during Covid-10.
• Unsuccessful.
• Too many to list!
• For bluejam.
• My Creating A New Rythm project, collaborating with musicians to create audio visual videos. These have been featured on Cockermouth Live, radio Cumbria and as part of a worldwide Wellbeing Internet show promoting mental health and helping disadvantaged communities. My story was also included in Through the Locking Glass and the videos are also on my YouTube channel. The grant was successful from Create to Connect and the project is ongoing and leading to other opportunities.
• We were part of a FAC funding bid to the Arts Council.
• Previously - I have had a bit of Arts council, crafts council and local council support not a lot and I find it takes too much time to get funding!

Question 9: If EVAN applied for funding, what should it be for?

• To put on events, when we are allowed to.
• To cover more advertising.
• Publicity, upkeep of the Gallery, expansion of Gallery. Funding to extend outreach activities eg painting competitions, participation in, and expansion of Penrith Arts Festival.
• Exciting projects to do with nature.
• To keep the community going, keep the gallery open, to support artists whose income depends on their sales and workshops.
• Artist development.
• Events.
• Funding to develop arts in the community and also to help to grow our art trails and events.
• Improving Signage outside. It would be better if it was called Evan Gallery and Studios rather than Gallery & Studios.
• Improving front window display. Maybe some suspending shelving possibly perspex or glass. It needs to look more contemporary. Less posters on the window to avoid it looking cluttered. Put them on another A board?"
• Engaging greater audience.
• More opportunities for artists to exhibit, raise profiles, embrace new opportunities in social media.
• Artists Personal Development.
• To revitalise art and artists. To help individuals develop their online presence when they aren't in touch with current media and opportunities.
• Cost of open studios publicity.
• Advice sessions.
• To supply teaching and tutoring.
• Promoting all the members with exhibitions and other events.
• Events?
• Shared studio space with gallery. Which will no doubt need a full time employed person as it's hard enough getting volunteers in one gallery.
• Keeping the gallery going.
• an exhibition outside of Cumbria.
• Better publicity for Open Studios?
• Co-ordination. To support the effort put in to running the organisation that takes away from creative opportunities and a chance to work for those artistes contributing. To allow for more shows or for better quality exhibitions. Training in all aspects from confidence building to practical skills. Events which bring different disciplines together.
• To enable artists to engage directly with audiences through exhibitions, open studios, creative project work, teaching, demonstrating, talks and lectures.
• Unsure!
• Perhaps encouraging younger artists in the area.
• To finance the art trails in order to be able to reduce the cost to participating members.
• Community Artwork. Enabling people to have a go and discover the benefits of being creative plus the companionship that comes with the interest..
• Either funding to help gain access to exhibitions or to set up more exhibitions with the use of galleries where people like me don't have space for artwork to display, the art trails and c-art exhibitions stood out to me.
• Or, some set up funding for the expenses of getting materials and supplies set up which is the hardest part when income is a struggle and you have no audience to start with. Getting set up and started as an artist for me is very challenging however either would be beneficial to making it successful.
• Programme, festival, filling empty high streets with things to do.
• An A3 printer , for good quality prints and/or traditional printing equipment ,press , work tops , plates etc. framing and mount cutting equipment?
• Workshops and courses?
• To invest in the website including a digital gallery, online shop and art trail. Ongoing free or subsidised training sessions for the professional artists (the ones for whom their practice is their main source of income). If EVAN was to apply collaboratively with others that would probably help.
• Building reputation of creative community
• Refurbishment of the interior, better lighting, display stands, and also outreach to others.
• High profile exhibitions? Not sure!
• I don't really have any ideas on this.
• It should be for ME!!!! and just ME 🙂 OK, maybe not.
• I would like you to bid to take Cumbrian Artists (all of us) nationally. To have events here and there for artists poets singers and crafters. The best of cumbrian creation in London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, Hull, Burnley, Lytham St Annes, Lincoln...
• It would be nice to have some facilities available, 3D printing, canvas printing, perhaps sound mixing kit for digital, in short an arty hub.
• I would like to see mentoring schemes, so funding for older more experienced artists to help newer ones with techniques, organisation, bidding etc. Well you asked.
• Training events and marketing.
• Maybe more table top art/craft fairs.
• Not sure.
• For maintaining EVAN! For creative projects that involve the community with multi-media workshops, environmental projects for example in.
• Anything that comes up that is applicable.
• The gallery needs more support re. staffing. Some are doing more than their fair share to keep it going and to provide a more cohesive service.
• I also think funds would be useful to create more workshop or regular classes, not necessarily just at the gallery but throughout our area.
• Maybe taking our work to a larger audience; an arts fair in London or some such?
• Permanent part-time members who can really do some great admin and marketing to keep the ball rolling. A yearly very special invited Arts Event of top quality in a central lakes location.
• More exhibition space if possible? Information events such as online selling?

Question 10: How does the Cumbria Arts and Culture Network affect you?

• Raises awareness.
• It has given me more confidence in my art practice. Extra Sales have given me the financial ability to double my support to the charity 'Educate for Change'.
• A few opportunities publicised but nothing that relevant to me. Fundraising workshops were useful.
• Not sure what this is, so can't answer.
• Never heard of it.
• I'm not really aware of it.
• Not really.
• ........and then it's questions like this that trip me up and I haven't a clue what tae put here!ðŸ¤
• I have not been involved.
• Great organisation. Useful network meetings.
• It doesn't.
• Not at all.
• It doesn't.
• Not at all really.
• Don't understand the question.
• I don't know what this is.
• It helps me be better as a performer, creator by giving me a focus.
• So far very little. It seems remote as if a small core of people are very active talking to each other which may or may not be the case. I'm interested in the core ideas around the role of art in building stronger communities, helping each other through sharing ideas and opportunities.
• This is something i have just learnt about but i am interested in joining.
• It doesn't.
• Haven't really got involved with this but follow on facebook and like to see what's happening in the wider community.
• As I am new to all this here, I still need to find out more. obviously with covid, things haven't been quite the same.
• makes me happy on a friday morning.
  I haven't been very involved with it , although have intended to explore at some point .
• No idea!
• We didn't know of it until this survey so will be looking into it, thank you.
• It doesn't.
• It provides interaction with other artists and opportunities to exhibit my work.
• Not at all. I am not sure what it is and it seems to have events at really inconvenient times for me.
• Not used them much.
• I love the Friday morning get together - the best thing ever!
• Don't really know about this organisation
• Not at all.
• Stopped going but might start again well done for all your hard work.
• Working full time at the moment so I've not had the chance to get involved. Hopefully I will if things quieten down next year.
• Doesn't.
• I enjoy being part of a community of artists although I am in other networks too.
• It is a fantastic network - well improved through zoom and lockdown - I think their future role should be to connect all the artists in Cumbria via Zoom meeting permanently with gigs/ events/shows and help them buy giving admin support and advice in order to get funding.
• I not aware of what it does.

Question 11: Do you have any other comments or thoughts you would like to share with the EVAN team?

• Thank you.
• Merry Christmas.
• I love the fact EVAN exists, it provides a foundation for local artists to get support and develop their work/careers.
• Heartfelt thanks for all your enthusiastic work and for your support of the artists within EVAN. You are always seeking to move forward and expand the community.
• Just to say well done and thank you for all your work!
• You are doing a simple wonderful job so just continue being creative.
• I love being part of EVAN.
• The 'EVAN Team' need tae be congratulated on the behind the scenes work that goes on tae making EVAN work.
• Well done tae all involved. Muchly appreciated.
  ..........and I hate filling these forms in!"
• I have found creativity difficult during the pandemic. I feel that I have become detached from the local art scene. I know that EVAN has tried to maintain momentum but I have not had the personal impetus to participate
• Pleased that you are there and hope to make more use of my membership next year.
• Very enthusiastic organisation. Would be very happy offering teaching.
• Don't always get responses to my questions.
• Would prefer EVAN to be more (fully) supportive of other art organisations in the area.
• Some bad feeling or disagreements seem to be made public and this isn't professional.
• Love the Gallery and really enjoyed being there and benefit greatly by being in there
• I am very grateful for the help, support and generosity of EVAN members.
• Thank you for all you have done so far it is much appreciated.
• No all good.
• I'm very grateful for what you do.
• It's been my first year and I have enjoyed it and grown. Looking forward to the next.
• Keep up the great work! I think lots of people have benefitted from the hard work of a core of artists and volunteers. Penrith is so much better for the gallery and the size of the membership speaks for itself.
• I would like to thank all the staff(committee) for their time and efforts running EVAN.
• Would like to feel more that evan is encouraging art for all our community for those participating and appreciating.
• Keep on doing a great job - it's awesome how EVAN has gone from nothing to what it is now. Big thanks to Simon and his team.
• Thankful to be a part of the network, and look forward to getting involved in the local area as an Artist. Its great to know there are people trying hard to help one another who don't always have the support.
• Everyone we have met has been very friendly, especially as we are based in Kendal, and dont know of any other members near us.
• I think I struggle understanding how it all works. This could well be my fault, I joined a few years ago and have small children so can't always concentrate on the job in hand. I've not updated my profile or images and don't see the point really, does anyone look at them? I think if I lived in Penrith I would be more involved and know more people, at the moment I just feel on the periphery of someone else's club- if that makes sense. I came to a gallery opening once but because I was on my own I found it very hard to chat to people who all seems to know one another well. It would be nice to meet other people- but again this could be my fault, not Evan's! I have seen the odd workshop so will try and make more effort in future now my kids are getting older.
• I think Evan and us in the west need to think more aggresively about marketing. Just having Polly has already made a difference in the communication but it would be great to see that strengthened, expanded and more aggresively promoting us. The next few years could be tough and we could spread joy to others and opportunity for ourselves. Of course I recognise time is not for free and so that = money. But again I am just blue skying.
• The 'Painting Penrith' day really excluded me and I was hurt by it. It needs to be more flexible in its administrative organisation.
• Thank you for everything you do! Really appreciated!
• Thank you for everything so far and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
• Thanks for what you do.
• 1) We need to embrace Eden Arts more, as we could be seen to be shallow.
  2) We need to ensure quality at all times and be known for it.
  3) We need to tie in more closely to ACE/CVAN/CACN and Cumbria Tourism - projecting the work over members across the UK and the globe.
• Thank you for all the effort and time that the team put in in running the network, on top of their day to day jobs.