GROUPS or individuals linked to the arts across Richmondshire have somewhere to take their ideas with the launch of an organisation yesterday

AiR will be based at The Key Centre, in Middleham, under the guidance of creative director Robin Battersby and administrator Christel Kibbat.

Their essential message is that help and guidance is available to everyone in the district - whether it is a band looking for somewhere to rehearse, an aspiring artist seeking guidance, or a drama group on the lookout for props or costumes.

"We do have a limited amount of money available, so we will be able to help directly with some projects but, essentially, our role will be as facilitators,'' said Mr Battersby.

"Our objective is to help establish networks within sectors of the arts, so like-minded groups can help each other.

"We don't want to come in with lots of weird and wonderful ideas to impose on people. We want them to take the initiative and the new networks can act as conduits to feed information back to us which we can use to help everyone else.''

Mr Battersby also stressed one of the key aims is to ensure AiR helps to establish sustainable schemes which could also help boost the local economy.

"We could help arts organisations find funding, locate venues, co-ordinate events and even offer guidance on marketing and publicity; what we need now is to hear from them," he said.

Ms Kibbat said village halls and community centres could also find themselves being put to greater use as the networks grow, while the region's traditions could also prove a real asset.

"Rural communities have a history of providing their own entertainment. Concerts at village halls, Leyburn's Tournament of Song and performances by local bands show there is plenty of talent.

"What we will be doing is raising people's awareness of the arts and just what is available to them without having to travel to Newcastle, Darlington or York.''