Places that Matter exhibition - The Old Courthouse, Shap - 21 March to 3 May 2026
Exploring the meaning and importance attached to special, local places.
Discover Places that Matter, a powerful community photo exhibition now open at The Old Courthouse, Shap until Sunday 3rd May.This thoughtful exhibition brings together photographs and personal stories from 15 local people across eastern Cumbria, from Penrith to Kendal, each sharing places that hold deep personal meaning in their lives.
Explore, reflect and take part
This is more than an exhibition – it’s a growing community project. As you explore the stories on display, we invite you to reflect on your own connection to place and the landscapes around you.
Alix Syder, social scientist for Cumbria Connect, who conducted the research and co-curated the exhibition, said:
“Across eastern Cumbria, people have strong and personal connections to the places they live and visit. By sharing photos and stories, the exhibition highlights these connections and invites us to reflect on what makes a place meaningful and how it is changing. It’s a chance for communities to see their experiences represented, acknowledged and celebrated.”
Share your photos - Get involved
We want to see Places that Matter through your eyes.
Scan the QR code or follow the link below to share your own photos of places in eastern Cumbria that matter to you. These can be images you already have on your phone from everyday life or new photos you take for this project.
You can upload up to five images in each of the following categories:
- Places you value – spaces that feel important, meaningful and enjoyable
- Places you find challenging – areas you dislike or see as problematic
- Places shaped by change – scenes of change and how they affect you
In the comments, tell us what each image represents to you. Your perspective helps build a richer understanding of how people across eastern Cumbria experience and connect to place.
Selected submissions may be featured as part of the exhibition and online.
Plan your visit
Location: The Old Courthouse, Shap, CA10 3NL
Dates: Open now until 3 May 2026
Please check opening times for The Old Courthouse before setting out.
The Old Courthouse is situated in a central position in the village, just minutes from Junction 39 of the M6.
There is parking at the front of the building with extra space available in the public car park just across the road.
If you are travelling via the M6, come off at Junction 39 and follow the sign posts to Shap.
On the A6 from Penrith to the north or Kendal to the south, you will pass through the village and the Old Courthouse is just set back a little on the western side of the village opposite the Memorial Park and Bowling Club.