Sir, On April 1 Northern Arts handed over the responsibility for the Arts in Cumbria to our colleagues in the North West.

We have worked hard with Cumbrian partners to make sure that this is as smooth a transition as possible.

The money, the files and the 'arts map' are now with the North West.

I wanted to write a personal note to formally thank our friends in Cumbria for their support over the last 35 years.

I first came across Northern Arts as a teenager in youth theatre in Kendal in the 1970s and had the privilege to work for Northern Arts for the last 13 years serving the county.

Over that time there has been nothing short of a transformation of the arts in Cumbria.

The local authorities, artists, arts organisations and commercial partners have established the arts as a thriving part of the Cumbrian economy and a driver of social change.

Together we helped deliver important capital development including: Theatre by the Lake; Brewery Arts Centre; Welfare State International's Lanternhouse; Artgene Gallery in Barrow and improvements tonumerous other venues.

The county's public art programme has been enhanced through projects such as Sheepfolds, public art in Barrow, Eden Benchmarks and work in hospitals such as the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

The county has grown in its reputation as a place for artists to work and learn new skills.

Grizedale, Welfare State International, Barracudas and the Wordsworth Trust have provided the training ground for both new and established visual artists, poets and musicians.

It has also been a joy to work with the many creative administrators and volunteers who make the arts tick in Cumbria.

I write to thank everyone for their support, advice and friendship.

We hope you will keep us informed of future developments and stay in touch.

I am confident that Cumbria will build up an equally strong relationship with its new friends in North West Arts and I wish you all the best for the future.

Andrew Dixon

Regional Executive Director Northern Arts

Newcastle