Thirsk’s Rural Arts reopens to public after five months

The Courthouse. Photo: Rob Crawshaw Photography.

Thirsk-based Rural Arts has reopened its doors to the public after five months of closure due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The re-opening of The Courthouse coincides with the completion of extensive refurbishments to the Grade II listed arts centre, alongside a rebrand, a website redesign and the launch of a new, expanded programme of activities.

“We’re so excited to share our new and improved facilities with the world”, says Max May, director and CEO of Rural Arts.

“These renovations secure the building for future generations, improving our accessibility and environmental credentials and ensuring all our visitors can feel welcome and comfortable.”

The renovations include the installation of Thirsk’s second ‘changing places’ standard accessible bathroom, alongside redecoration and reflooring throughout the building.

The re-opening means that after months of delivering activities online and via the post, Rural Arts can once again welcome participants in person to performances, workshops, exhibitions and events.

Max added: “Throughout lockdown we’ve reached over 55,000 people, many of whom were new to Rural Arts.

“As we restart activities in person – both at The Courthouse and across North Yorkshire – we want people to feel like there’s something for everyone.”

Brand new for this year are basics for beginners art courses, an exhibition exploring perceptions of disability, and a performance from BBC Radio York’s poet laureate Olivia Mulligan.

Rural Arts also have a number of free outreach projects for older people and those not in education, work or training.

To welcome visitors back to The Courthouse, Rural Arts are offering the first 50 visitors a free cupcake from their award-winning café, and shop customers will receive a free tote bag too.

For details of opening times and for the full programme of activities, visit www.ruralarts.org.

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