Arts in Your Village
On April 12th, Rural Arts hosted a showcase event at the Old Courthouse for parish council and village representatives who were hoping to launch or extend arts activities in their communities.
This action packed day was aimed at giving practical advice, information and support to rural communities. Over 50 village representatives attended from all over the region. Speakers from the Arts Council, Ryedale District Council and Scarborough Borough Council were joined by project organisers from Helmsley, Scarborough and Terrington who gave us valuable insights into organising and resourcing.
Yvette Turnbull from Ryedale concentrated on how the arts enrich life and entertained us with her humorous presentation that featured giant rabbits and gents' underpants!
Val Travis from Helmsley in Bloom talked about designing and installing interpretation boards on a disused railway station and how children and railway enthusiasts illustrated both the wildlife and the history of the line, including day trips to the local seaside town of Scarborough.
Rowena Marsdon gave us an insight into the creation of the Falsgrave mural including the background behind the design and the local input into the finished piece of work.
Emily Penn, Arts Participation and Inclusion Officer for the Arts Council Yorkshire looked at current funding priorities whilst Lesley Bradshaw from Terrington gave a rundown of 11 years of Terrington Arts.
An exhibition of Rural Arts project work was on show in the courthouse foyer, featuring wall hangings from Crayke, Scruton and Great Ouseburn and a range of fused and stained glass and ceramics. Representatives from English Heritage also attended with artefacts from their community handling collection. The exhibition will be on show until the end of April.
Delegates were treated to a mouth watering lunch and a film presentation by Yorkshire Film Archive and this was followed by entertainment from illusionist Ian Keable, who was appearing on Rural Arts ‘On Tour’ programme. Several workshops took place in the afternoon - feedback will be posted soon.
We didn't expect to be as inspired as we were - so many possibilities. Catterick Garrison delegate
The speakers were outstanding - so helpful, interesting and just hit the right buttons to help us take things forward.
Linton-on-Ouse delegate
This has definitely got me thinking about possibilities for our community.
I gained so much from the theatre workshop - thank you. The Yorkshire Film Archive was fascinating.
Carleton Village Hall Committee delegate
Really enjoyed it - wealth of experience, inspiring ideas and fabulous food. NYFVO delegate
I always come away from these sessions rejuvenated, with ideas and enthusiasm to try something new.
To add your comments or find out more about what Rural Arts can do for your village, please click here
