A COMMUNITY arts organisation is set to expand thanks to renewed funding from Arts Council England.

Rural Arts in Thirsk runs schemes to benefit the community and tackle social isolation and is now looking to take on two new members of staff.

One will be an internship, supporting a touring scheme that brings cultural performances into rural communities.

The other is a permanent position that will focus on encouraging young people to engage with Rural Arts’ activities and performances.

Angela Hall, director, said: “This is a very exciting time to join Rural Arts, as we’re in the process of growing our offering and the community we service.

“We’re proud to offer these opportunities at Rural Arts because they can provide an excellent start for people with an active interest in the arts”.

The Arts Council grant was given as Rural Arts demonstrated it brings new energy to the sector.

One of their recent new initiatives was ‘Art on the Doorstep’ which takes artistic activities into rural homes.