The Vallum Gallery, Institute of the Arts

Call Directions Website Contact the museum

The Vallum Gallery, Institute of the Arts The official page for the modern gallery space in the city of Carlisle, located in the main building of the Institute of Arts at The University of Cumbria.

The Vallum Gallery is a newly opened exhibition space, surrounded by the creative community of students and staff at The University of Cumbria's Institute of the Arts campus in the city of Carlisle. Open to the general public, all exhibitions are free and carefully selected to provide a unique and memorable gallery-going experience. With its modern aesthetics, clean lines and ample natural and artificial light, the Vallum Gallery provides an ideal environment for both traditional 2D and 3D shows and flexibility to accommodate new media exhibitions. Private view events, musical and dramatic performances and artist talks and book launches are all activities that complement the rolling exhibitions programme. Housed in the modern Main Building of the Institute of the Arts, part of the University of Cumbria, the gallery builds upon a creative tradition in the city of Carlisle that has a history dating back to the founding in 1822 of a Society for the promotion of the Fine Arts. This flexible new gallery space, installed during 2015, can present exhibitions in a traditional format with wall panels for 2D work and glass cabinets and plinths for 3D work, plus can accommodate digital format work on high definition screens or via projection.

17/10/2026

Draw Your North ✏️🧭

NORTHERN MONK and Kendal Mountain Festival are launching the Festival’s first design and illustration competition, and we want to see what ‘North’ means to you.

It could be a mountain, a hometown or a community. It could be a reflection on North as a symbolic destination for the adventurous, the solitary, and the foolhardy. How to interpret North is up to you. You’ll be judged on originality, interpretation of the theme and visual impact.

The prizes:
🏆 £500 commission to design the b**r label for North Downs Mountain Festival in collaboration with Northern Monk
🍺 £150 Northern Monk gift voucher
🎟️ Two-Together day pass to the 2026 Kendal Mountain Festival

Shortlisted artists get a goodie bag and their work printed and displayed in The Northern Monk at Festival Basecamp.

For full details and to enter, head to the link in our bio!

In a few weeks time the city centre will host a new event, Carlisle Carnivale. If you’d like to be part of the processi...
10/10/2026

In a few weeks time the city centre will host a new event, Carlisle Carnivale. If you’d like to be part of the procession, there are still limited places to join in as a torch bearer, sign up here: https://bit.ly/3Uqu5hg

02/10/2026

🎨 ARTISTS WANTED!

The People’s Gallery at Kendal Museum is looking for artists and collectives to exhibit in 2027 and beyond.

We want fresh, exciting ideas - from new media, art & science and socially engaged practice, to work inspired by museum collections, local stories and innovative themes.

We’re particularly keen to hear from emerging and under-represented artists, collectives, and artists interested in running workshops.

📍 You’ll need a connection to the local area, and exhibitions must include work for sale. You must not have exhibited with the museum within the last 3 years.

Got an idea that doesn’t quite fit? Get in touch anyway!

📩 For further information or to apply, please email [email protected]

We can't wait to hear from you!

Local dance organisation 'Dance Ahead' are on campus using Dance Studio 1 in the Main Building for upcoming rehearsals p...
28/09/2026

Local dance organisation 'Dance Ahead' are on campus using Dance Studio 1 in the Main Building for upcoming rehearsals prior to a mass dance event taking place in Carlisle City Centre at 12:00noon on Saturday 31st October 2026.

Wednesday 21 October: 19:00 - 20:30
Friday 23 October: 18:00 - 20:00

Please feel free to share the attached posters - everyone is very welcome to get involved!

24/09/2026
Fantastic images coming in from BA Wildlife Media students from their trip to Keswick in Welcome Week! Well done & we l...
21/09/2026

Fantastic images coming in from BA Wildlife Media students from their trip to Keswick in Welcome Week! Well done & we look forward to seeing them all ✨

Stunning filmmaking and sound work from MA Creative Practice student Bill -
17/09/2026

Stunning filmmaking and sound work from MA Creative Practice student Bill -

10/09/2026

NEWS: Artists completing their MA Creative Practice programme are staging a new showcase that challenges today’s world of algorithm driven narratives and ‘AI slop’.

Unseen runs at the Vallum Gallery, Brampton Road campus, Carlisle until 7 October (weekdays 10am-4pm).

A lovely preview evening on Thursday 3rd September celebrating the achievements of the wonderful MA Creative Practice 20...
03/09/2026

A lovely preview evening on Thursday 3rd September celebrating the achievements of the wonderful MA Creative Practice 2026 cohort - well done to all!

We'll continue to share some insights into the exhibiting artists. In the meantime here are some photos from the evening, courtesy of David Robert.

The exhibition is open to view until 7th October, open from Monday-Friday from 10.00am-4.00pm, free admission and all are welcome.

Address

University Of Cumbria
Carlisle
CA39

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

01228400300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Vallum Gallery, Institute of the Arts posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to The Vallum Gallery, Institute of the Arts:

Shortcuts

Share

Category