For true culture vultures in search of intellectual and artistic development Yorks historic setting and contemporary vitality provide the riches of a truly cultural city. The streets surrounding York Minster, Kings Manor, St Williams College are steeped in an unmistakably intellectual, academic atmosphere. This has been a place of historians, of archaeological and religious study, of choristers, of book publishing, of scholarly endeavour – for hundreds of years.
Bohemian York
Bohemian YorkMeanwhile, around the Swinegate Quarter, and along Fossgate and Walmgate, the mood turns distinctly bohemian, filled with second hand bookshops, cafes, bars and art shops. And York is full of bookshops, antique dealers and little independent art galleries. The National Centre for Early Music on Walmgate is a place of musical study, research, performance and innovation.
Yorks museums and galleries (The Yorkshire Museum, York Castle Museum and City Art Gallery) display the wealth of historical and artistic treasures that belong to the city, from Roman times through Anglo-Saxon and Viking eras to the Middle Ages the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and on to Yorks genteel Georgian days. The Art Gallery is remarkable for its collection of important European paintings spanning seven centuries, with works by Bellotto, Reynolds, Lowry and York-born William Etty, whose statue stands outside the gallery.
Georgian York
The Theatre Royal and Fairfax House are symbols of Yorks prominence as a cultural centre in Georgian times. And whilst Fairfax House has become one of the best preserved Georgian townhouses in Britain and a wonderful museum piece, the Theatre Royal is as busy today as it was in the days when Georgians such as the Fairfax family came from London to entertain and be entertained in fashionable York.
Intellectually, artistically and morally, Joseph Rowntree was a cultural giant in York, and one of the great philanthropists of the 19th century. Rowntree was instrumental in setting up the Mount and Bootham schools, and set up the charitable trust that still bears his name today, concerned with many social issues, in particular housing. He built the model village of New Earswick on the outskirts of York city centre, to provide decent housing and a good community for workers in his chocolate factory. To this day York boasts a school, a theatre, a park, a brass band and an athletics club all named after the Rowntree family of York.
Modern Cultural York
Today, Yorks cultural offerings range from medieval music in the Minster and Mystery Plays performed on the streets, to challenging drama, world music and innovative venues and showcases for new artists of all kinds.
The Adze Gallery on Gillygate displays solo exhibitions by contemporary artists and sculptures, and is a lovely place to browse or even invest in new art and find perfect signature pieces for stylish homes. Impressions Gallery on Castlegate shows a changing and challenging programme of contemporary photography and has a popular coffee shop.
The packed programmes at the Grand Opera House and York Theatre Royal range from grand opera and classical ballet to Stomp and Soul Explosion.
And dont be fooled by the name of the National Centre for Early Music. Concerts here may also feature folk, jazz, 20th century and world music. Early music was its creator, however, as it was established to provide a base for Britains premier festival of early music every year. Events and festivals reflect the cultural nature of any city and York is no exception. The University of York Concert Series, the Music Live Festival every May, York Minster services and concerts a thriving jazz and folk scene all make York a perfect place for music lovers. And York stages its second comedy festival, in June 2004.
City Screen York
City Screen York is one of Britains Picture House cinemas, within an inspired re-development of the old Yorkshire Herald press works building, marrying original architectural features with very contemporary design. As well as screening arthouse, independent and quality mainstream films, the Basement Bar hosts diverse music, poetry, and comedy events, plus a regular film quiz night.
Cutting edge theatre in York includes The York Shakespeare Project, an ambitious plan to stage all of Shakespeares 37 plays in approximate chronological order in York; Riding Lights, a hugely successful touring company based at the Friargate Theatre; and The Dreaming Theatre Company, a touring company which brings new adaptations of popular and classic stories to both traditional and more unusual venues.
Additional information
More information for each of Yorks cultural attractions can be found at the links below;
City Screen
01904 612940
www.picture-house-cinemas.co.uk
Grand Opera House
01904 655441
www.york-operahouse.co.uk
Riding Lights/Friargate Theatre
01904 655317
York City Art Gallery
www.yorkartgallery.org.uk
York Theatre Royal
01904 658162
www.theatre-royal-york.co.uk
