Arts organisations awarded grants totalling £250,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund

Helmsley Arts Centre will receive £50,000 from the grants programme.

Ryedale Folk Museum will receive £79,500, and Rural Arts North Yorkshire will receive £115,000.

This funding will help keep these venues open and to protect jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

Kevin Hollinrake MP said: “This is great news for three excellent organisations in the constituency. This much-needed funding will help preserve jobs as the restrictions continue. I know how much local communities value their local arts and cultural venues, and thanks to this funding this can continue, so I am delighted that the Government has stepped in.”

Artistic director at Helmsley Arts Centre Natasha Jones said: “This will make a huge difference to Helmsley Arts Centre and our community of artists, creative practitioners and freelancers as well as our audiences and participants.”

Ryedale Folk Museum director Jennifer Smith said: “This money will allow the Museum’s staff and volunteers to continue conserving our historic buildings and keep working with the communities we serve.

Director and CEO at Rural Arts North Yorkshire Max May said: “We’re thrilled to receive this vital support. By safeguarding Rural Arts’ future, we will keep reaching 30,000 people each year through culture and creativity.”