A NEW Yorkshire-based arts fund is aiming to give out £10,000 in grants for groups which want to use cultural activities to help people in need. The Arts For Change fund was established by Tom Ramsden, the current High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, and launched at a special event at Newby Hall, near Ripon, last week.

The launch saw fundraisers gather around half of the £10,000 they want to give out this year.

Mr Ramsden said “The arts can change lives. They are a vehicle for the imagination and they influence our attitudes to each other. Involvement in the arts strengthens local communities and enriches life. Everyone can support the Arts For Change fund to make a difference to lives in North Yorkshire.”

Staff at the Two Ridings Community Foundation, which is running the fund, are appealing for more donations to make up the rest of this year’s fund and are aiming to build up a £300,000 endowment to make sure the £10,000 annual grants can continue for ever.

York based Hands And Voices choir, a fully-inclusive singing and signing community choir for people with disabilities performed at the launch, while artworks by residents of The Beacon, a supported housing scheme for homeless veterans in Catterick, were on show.

For more information visit www.trcf.org.uk