Grants for local arts groups

Community arts projects across the region are to benefit from grants totalling nearly £20,000 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The council has demonstrated its support for the arts by awarding small grants to a total of 33 community music, theatre and art groups across the East Riding for 2014/15.

Among those to benefit is Beverley Theatre Company, which has received £450 to help cover the cost of their live theatre performances. Tickton village hall's annual community pantomime was given £300.

Beverley and East Yorkshire Concerts had £950 set aside for them to give organ recitals and performance opportunities for young performers and local composers. Beverley Chamber Choir were awarded £800 to allow them to continue producing high quality amateur choral concerts. East Riding County Choir were also given £800 for their concerts in the Minster. Beverley Brass Band has received £300 to help cover their performances and running costs.

The Civic Society was given £500 to assist with the Beverley Georgian Festival in September. East Yorkshire Artists were given the greatest amount of money, with £1000 enabling them to put on the Off The Wall event in the town's Georgian Quarter, while Beverley and District Art Club were also provided with £100 to cover the cost of hiring a room and bringing in a tutor.

The Cherry Tree Community Association has been provided with £300 for its Time Out for Women's Group.

Councillor Richard Burton, the council’s portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said: “It’s fantastic that so many community arts groups are able to benefit from these grants. It is essential that we ensure the East Riding continues to enjoy a thriving arts scene which undoubtedly contributes to the quality of life for our residents, and to the experience of tourists to the region.

“We must never underestimate the contribution that arts events and organisations make to the local economy and funding like this will enable these groups to keep up the good work.”