Kendal Arts Initiative (KAI) has secured investment worth £2m from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to fund a new four-year programme of outdoor performance and arts events in Cumbria.

The Lakes Alive initiative is one of three Annual Legacy Programmes to be commissioned by the Legacy Trust UK for the Northwest cultural legacy scheme for the 2012 London Olympics, WE PLAY. Sponsored by NWDA, Lakes Alive is also being funded by Arts Council England and the Northern Rock Foundation. Every local authority in Cumbria will be involved in the scheme, as well as the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Tourism, the University of Cumbria and arts organisations.

KAI's Julie Tait said: "We've piloted a number of events over the last few years which have demonstrated the pivotal role that outdoor arts events and festivals can play in boosting the economy and cultural participation, as well as giving the area a more contemporary image. "The extra funding that we have secured will enable us to deliver an internationally significant programme across the whole of Cumbria over the next four years which is inspired by the 2012 Olympics to deliver a legacy for the Northwest."