An initiative is being launched to harness the artistic potential to be found across the Yorkshire Dales.

In an effort to give a boost to the arts and creative industries in Richmondshire, the district is about to appoint its first creative director.

The post will be with the newly-formed Richmondshire Arts Development Agency, and will be funded through North Yorkshire County Council's single regeneration budget programme, plus grants from the district council and Yorkshire Arts.

The arts development agency has been set up to support local communities and give the area a greater focus for the arts and creative industries. It will be run by the yet-to-be-appointed creative director and will be based in the heart of the district, at the Middleham Key Centre.

Supported by an administrator, the new director will offer advice and support, and help to develop district-wide arts provision.

That is expected to lead to performances, activities, events and workshops taking place in spaces as diverse as churches and cattle marts, hill forts and river banks, village halls and pubs.

The district is already regarded as having a strong creative reputation and boasts a number of successful festivals, including the Swaledale Music Festival.

The town of Richmond itself is home to the historic Georgian Theatre and the busy touring theatre company, North Country Theatre

The area is also renowned for the many artists who live in it, inspired by the richness of the dales landscapes.

The chairman of the new agency, Angela le Grice, said yesterday: "This new agency will bring organisations and individuals together in imaginative ways to make the area an even better place to live, work and visit.

"There has already been a lot of interest in the post and we hope to have someone in place this autumn."

Would-be candidates for the post can contact Gillian Howells on (01748) 825362.