Rural Arts in Thirsk has announced almost 100 events and activities to take place at The Courthouse when it reopens next month.
The new season – titled Following An Unprecedented Pause – is a blend of rescheduled activity from March to July 2020, plus brand visual arts workshops, exhibitions and screenings of live performance.
The season’s title is inspired by local teenager Millie Dunning, whose winning entry to the Thirsk School and Sixth Form College community art and photography competition graces the front cover of the season’s brochure.
The charity has confirmed the venue will reopen on August 11 with a temporary reduction in opening hours, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3pm.
“We were excited to use our publicly-mandated closure to progress our redevelopment of the building,” said director and CEO Max May.
“A number of bumps along the way – huge demand for tradespeople, issues with supply chains etc – has meant we haven’t completed our journey yet, but we felt it was more important to reopen and get back to providing creative opportunities in person to enrich people’s lives and connect communities.”
In order to make re-opening possible, Rural Arts is introducing new safety measures, including sanitisation stations and enhanced cleaning, reduced capacity in its activities, café and shop, a one-way system around the building, perspex screens in all public areas and temperature checks on arrival for staff.
Under current Government guidance, visitors to the arts centre will also have to give contact details for the lead member of their party and will have to wear face coverings, unless they are in one of the excepted categories.
“We hope our new season, although about only half the usual size, has something for everyone,” said Max.
“Even if you just come for a cup of coffee in the café, you can do so knowing you’re supporting a local charity.
“The coming months will be a real challenge for Rural Arts, so we’re grateful of everyone’s patience and support as we navigate the ‘new normal’ together.”
Since closing its doors, the Thirsk-based charity’s online initiative #RADISH – Rural Arts’ Daily Inspiration while Staying at Home – has reached over 60,000 people, with 6,000 of those engaging with free online visual arts workshops.
Rural Arts is now working to reintroduce its outreach projects and plan for the future of ON Tour, while indoor live performance is not permitted.
For more information about The Courthouse’s new season, visit www.ruralarts.org
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