Old Farmstead Arts

Registered Charity No.1062074

Old Farmstead Arts has been specifically designed to make residential and non-residential Arts & Crafts courses accessible to individuals of all abilities, whether physically disabled, visually and or hearing impaired, able bodied or those with a learning disability. The guiding philosophy of Old Farmstead Arts is one of integration and equal opportunities through access. A wide variety of courses including stone carving, watercolouring, pottery, film & photography and creative writing will be available to anyone wishing to participate.

Some of the courses will be challenging, to meet the needs of the most determined visitor, whilst others will be aimed at beginners. All of our courses will be taught by experienced tutors and the educational standard will be high and comprehensive. In order to assist people on a low income we have established a Bursary Fund. The Fund is contributed to by Friends of Old Farmstead Arts. Other bursary funding from Charitable Trusts, Regional Arts Boards and Local Authorities is sometimes available. A list of funders can be obtained from us.

In 1997 Old Farmstead Arts became registered as a charity and began the work of putting its philosophy into practice. Working to carefully and imaginatively designed plans we have created, from previously redundant barns, wheelchair accessible lecture and exhibition rooms on two floors, as well as accommodation and workshops. In addition the courtyard around which the barns are situated has been cobbled using local stone to form a tactile surface. Raised flower beds, a sensory garden, wildlife pond and fire garden.

Where to find us. Old Farmstead Arts is based at Town End Farm, an 18th Century Grade II Listed property set in the picturesque village of Appleton-Le-Moors, which lies on the Southern edge of the Tabular hills in the North York Moors National Park. Close by are the market towns of Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Helmsley. A short drive across the moors leads to the East coast resort of Whitby and the small fishing villages of Staithes and Robin Hoods Bay.