Arts for Rutland is an organisation committed to leading, promoting and supporting the arts in Rutland.  It consists of a committee and representatives of many arts organisations and individuals as would like to be involved.  We very much hope that this will involve you in the future !

The Arts include, film, theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual arts, creative writing and any other art form which the organisation recognises.  We seek to promote the wealth of enterprise and activity in the county by whatever means we can.

Arts for Rutland Chairman Peter Lawson explains “With powerful help from our many volunteers and Rutland County Council, we have been able to secure substantial support for the first time.  The Arts Council’s contribution of £100,000 will enable us to deliver a range of exciting projects across Rutland until the autumn of 2010”. 

The projects involved include:

* An imaginative sculpture trail which will involve 22 fibreglass hippos throughout the county. The idea for the sculpture trail came from the Oakham Festival Committee;

* Support for Catmose College's Catmose Arts regular programme of theatre, dance, film and visual arts programmes, and a special ballet event in the autumn;

* Support for Rutland County Council’s Live@programme and special one-off comedy, music and film events in the summer through to autumn;

* More support for art organisations in Rutland and increased awareness of events throughout the county through a “loyalty scheme” Art Card.

* And regular coach trips to nearby cultural venues such as Curve in Leicester.

Rutland County Council provided support to Arts for Rutland in preparing the bid to Arts Council England.

Councillor Peter Jones said ”We were delighted to support this magnificent effort.  It has brought an amount of money into our county that can make a real difference.  We’ll ensure that we use local resources to promote and publicise all arts events taking place in Rutland. It gives us a wonderful opportunity to make use of the recently enhanced facilities at the Castle and Museum”.