Loftus Studios CIC has transformed the former United Reformed Church on Loftus High Street into a lively new arts hub for both residents and visitors, with support from the North York Moors National Park Authority’s Visitor Experience grant.
The historic building has been brought back to life - offering warm, well-lit studio spaces for artists and, in the near future, workshops, exhibitions, and events that will draw visitors throughout the year.
The Visitor Experience Grant has helped support this exciting project through the creation of a website to showcase the artists in residence. The site will promote artists work, share news about exhibitions and community projects, highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of the North York Moors National Park and it’s beautiful coastline.
This digital presence will allow Loftus Studios to connect with new audiences, encourage creativity and support the regeneration the local high street. It’s a great example of how the grant supports projects that improve the visitor experience while strengthening communities and celebrating the special qualities of the National Park.
What is the Visitor experience grant?
As a result of the continued working of polyhalite and salt over a 25-year period from 2023 at Boulby Mine, a s106 agreement has been secured to provide compensation and mitigation against any negative impacts on the tourism economy within Staithes and surrounding area (pdf). Out of this contribution, a fund has been established to support local tourism businesses to develop new products and services that showcase the North York Moors and its special qualities.
This Fund is designed to support new activity by businesses and organisations that promote the North York Moors. We encourage local businesses to apply for funds to aid diversification, particularly activity that extends the season, provides a high quality visitor experience, encourages off-peak visits, supports the net zero carbon agenda and embodies regenerative tourism principles.
This projects supports the following Management Plan objective:
Outcome 4 (objective 13) : Increase awareness of, and access to, the National Park among underserved communities, particularly those in the surrounding area.
To find out more please visit: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/visitorexperiencegrant