Helmsley Arts Centre isn’t just a facility for the community, it’s part of and at the very heart of the community.
With a mix including Cinema, Comedy, Dance, Exhibitions, Music, Theatre, Talks and Classes, and even its own School of Ballet, it has something to offer the widest range of tastes. So it’s no wonder that the Arts Centre is supported by the people of Helmsley and much further afield.
The Arts Centre is also at the heart of Helmsley geographically – it’s right in the centre of the town on the site of the old Friends Meeting House, a building which dates back to 1812. The Arts Centre originally opened in 1993 in the Old Meeting House. The building was extended and converted (with the aid of a grant from the National Lottery in 1995/6) into a theatre, but, sadly, was almost totally destroyed in a fire in 2000. But every cloud has a silver lining, and a new Arts Centre arose phoenix-like rising from the ashes. The modern Arts Centre is extremely well-equipped and is now technically better than its predecessor – thanks, in no small part to a generous legacy left by Dorothy Morley (see the plaque which commemorates her gift). Some parts of the Old Meeting House still exist – in the form of internal walls and a stone plaque dated 1812 – to provide a historical link which spans the centuries.
Helmsley Arts Centre has a seating capacity of 140 in its auditorium and can manage up to 40 people in its studio/exhibition area. It is almost predominantly staffed by volunteers but that hasn’t prevented it from gaining a wide-ranging and formidable reputation for its film programmes and live events.
Up to now, it’s been supported by grants from the Arts Council, but the recently announced government cutbacks mean that, more than ever, it will have to rely on local support for its income. Helmsley Arts Centre is a registered charity (the official title is The Old Meeting House Trust – registration number 1058130) so donations can be made using Gift Aid to maximise the revenue for the Arts Centre.
The Arts Centre has a very exciting programme of events for the spring and summer, including major films, some exciting theatre, exhilarating musical event, and entertaining and educational workshops, lectures and exhibitions.
What’s on at the Helmsley Arts Centre
There are lots of events coming up in the next few months, please check out the following pages:
If you’re looking to stay in Helmsley, there are some terrific Helmsley cottages, Helmsley B&B and Helmsley hotels on Hello Yorkshire.
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