Thirsk-based Rural Arts gets £45,000 grant

Rural Arts in Thirsk has been awarded a grant of £45,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.  

Charity bosses say this will enable the organisation to rebuild safely and steadily while furthering their vision of creativity at the heart of every community in North Yorkshire. 

Max May, director and CEO at Rural Arts, said: “During the pandemic, our outreach work – both online and in person – has become more vital than ever, and our community arts centre has been forced to close and re-open three times by national lockdowns.

“We’re thrilled that Rural Arts’ significant and unique contribution to the cultural landscape of North Yorkshire has been recognised – and supported – by the Culture Recovery Fund.”

The third round of funding will support organisations from all corners of the sector as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead. 

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “I’m thrilled that Rural Arts have been given this support via the Culture Recovery Fund.

“I’m incredibly proud to have this organisation based in my constituency, especially given the significant arts and heritage, culture in Herriot’s country.

“I have always been committed to protecting our theatres, museums, galleries and organisations around North Yorkshire who have faced an especially tough time during the pandemic.” 

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from. 

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”  

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.