roova
arts. community. nature. farming
Welcome to Roova!
where art meets farm life and magic happens. Nestled on a upland hill farm in the north eastern yorkshire dales, we're all about blending creativity, nature friendly farming, and community fun.
At Roova, we believe in the transformative power of art to drive social change. we’ve got an exciting lineup of events over the next 12 months that'll shake things up and shape who we become. Our mission? To bring people together and show how art can tackle rural challenges, spark connections, and inspire big ideas across North Yorkshire and the North East of england. A focus on rural working class creatives, our local community & those who often feel the countryside is inaccessible to them.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Venue
Roova
This event is for folks with a DL postcode
October 5
Grow & Gather.
A Fresh Beginning for Our Rural Community
1:30pm - 6pm
In a place often steeped in tradition, it's time to reimagine the future together—and to start growing it, literally and figuratively!
This exciting and hopeful event, includes:
Seed Library: Nestled on a popular walking route in the Dales, we’re planting the seeds for change—literally! Add your hopes and dreams to our Seed Library and in return, you’ll receive native seeds to grow. Whether they thrive or struggle, the goal is to nurture possibility.
Harvest Festival: This October, we’ll celebrate around the Seed Library with a full day of fun! From a lively barn dance and shared meal to skill-sharing sessions—learn to plant, build stone walls, and join in folk games that celebrate rural traditions.
Bridging the Gap: We’re reaching out to urban communities, too! Come one, come all—we’re building a bridge between town and country.
Accessible Transport: We’ve got interactive transport options to make sure everyone can join in on the fun.
It’s more than just an event—it’s a movement for growth, community, and hope. Let’s grow the future, together!
Further Information:
Exact location, additional details and links to helpful videos will be sent out upon booking. Families welcome.
October 6
Venue
Roova
Roova Arts: Artists’ Social – Let’s Connect!
11am - 3pm
Calling all rural creatives in North Yorkshire & the North East! Ready to meet like-minded artists, share your stories, and dream up new ideas? This is YOUR chance to build a supportive, creative community for rural artists!
What can rural life offer to today’s artists? How can our surroundings inspire fresh, new work? How can we connect? What would you want from a regional rural arts network?
We’re hosting our very first Artists' Social, and we’re keeping it small and intimate. Spaces are limited, so grab yours quick! Plus, we’ve got a £30 travel bursary for everyone attending! (Psst… If you can offer a lift / lift share, you’ll be helping others join too!)
What’s happening?
A creative day on a working farm
Artist meet-up hosted in a dales barn
Lunch included
Expect friendly chats, introductions, and the freedom to do things your way—whether that's walking, drawing, or just soaking in the energy. Everything is optional. Need a breather? We’ve got comfy spaces to sit, reflect, or create quietly. (Blankets supplied to keep cozy)
Pro tip: Dress warm, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a waterproof! It’s Autumn and a working farm in the countryside after all!
Who’s it for?
This one’s for artists living in rural areas—or those who have roots in them but may have moved away. It’s a perfect way to meet others who get the unique joys (and challenges) of rural life. You’ll find a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where we’re all about creating together. And don’t worry if you’re coming solo—we’ll connect you with a buddy if you’d like!
Limited spots available! Want to join us? Email Jo at hello@joannecoates.co.uk or call 07533925638 for your spot!
Access Info:
Babies, kids,family members and support workers welcome—just let us know who you’re bringing! There’s a downstairs toilet available, and we’re happy to help with any additional needs. Let us know what would make you feel comfortable. You don’t have to come for the whole time, if you need to get back or need to come a bit later please let us know.
Artists come in all shapes and forms—Crafters, painters, musicians, dreamers, performers, writers, photographers,and beyond. You don’t need to have studied art, to have exhibited or be creating regularly to join us. If you’ve got that yearning for community and connection, you belong here.
Further Information:
Packs featuring exact location, links to helpful videos will be sent out upon booking.
November
Venue
Roova
Join Us for a Rooting Good Time at Roova Arts!
Get ready to dig in and grow with us at our Tree Planting event! At Roova Arts, we believe that cultivating a vibrant community starts with planting the seeds of connection, creativity, and sustainability. We will create a community orchard, and mini food forest for the future.
What’s in Store?
Tree Planting Extravaganza: Roll up your sleeves and help us plant a diverse array of trees that will blossom into a beautiful orchard! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, everyone is welcome to join in the fun of bringing new life to our space.
Community Feast: Celebrate our hard work with a delicious community meal featuring locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy good food, great company, and the fruits of our labour (quite literally!).
Come and be a part of this joyful celebration of nature, community, and creativity. Let’s plant the seeds for a brighter tomorrow—together!
december
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Roova Arts!
As the longest night of the year approaches, join us for a magical Winter Solstice Walk and Celebration! Embrace the beauty of the season as we gather to honour nature, light, and community.
What Awaits You:
Guided Solstice Walk: Bundle up and stroll through our enchanting landscape as we soak in the crisp winter air. Share your community stories, local folklore, and the significance of the solstice, making this a journey of connection with nature and each other.
Candlelight Ceremony: As darkness falls, we’ll gather to share a special candlelight ceremony. Bring your own candle or lantern to illuminate the night as we reflect on the past year and set intentions for the light to come.
Warm Festive Treats: Enjoy cozy refreshments, including warming drinks and seasonal snacks. We’ll have hot cocoa, mulled cider, and festive treats to keep spirits high and hearts warm!
Join us for this celebration of the Winter Solstice.
January 2025
Artist & Creatives this one is for you.
Join our online Care, Nurture, and practice Workshop! Join us from the comfort of your own home as we explore the beautiful intersection of self-care, nurturing our spirits, and creative expression. More info to follow soon!
March 2025
Welcome the season of renewal and growth at our Spring Equinox Celebration!
Join us for a day filled with nature, creativity, and community marking the arrival of spring.
What’s Blooming at the Event:
Equinox Nature Walk: Kick off the festivities with a guided nature walk on the Yorkshire dales national park. Learn how to navigate terrain on a short walk with a expert! Discover the signs of spring, learn about local flora and fauna, and wildlife.
Community Seed Swap: Bring your favourite seeds to share and exchange in our seed library!
Celebratory Circle: Gather for a joyous circle as we share our intentions for the spring season. We’ll partake in a group activity that embodies the spirit of growth and renewal, helping us to cultivate our dreams together.
Fun for All Ages: This event is perfect for families!
june 2025
Roova Arts Alternative Arts Big Weekender!
This is going to be our big one. It will be shaped by all the events that come before. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend packed with learning, creativity, and connection. This event is all about learning outside of the mainstream. It’s especially for those who may have difficulty accessing the arts, education, farming, and want to come learn and share skills. More info coming soon but think workshops, talks, live performances, art installations, chats and a big community meal.
why?
I’m Jo a working class visual artist and farm labourer. My partner Dan and I often work side by side on the farm, and I’ve found that living and working in a rural area can make it tough to connect with the wider art world. But it’s also inspired me to create something meaningful through Roova Arts!
I launched Roova Arts to build connections in rural spaces and give rural artists a platform to thrive. This is our very first year, and what comes next? Well, that’s where YOU come in! Your voice will help shape our future. We are so excited to grow this creative community together!
In the future we dream of serving as a hub for artists, communities, and creators who are passionate about making a difference. We might not have the facilities yet but the idea is through artist residencies, collaborative projects, and community engagement.
At Roova Arts, we are passionate about the transformative power of community arts and the vital role they play in rural life. While photography is a valued art form, and I know it what I am known for but our focus extends beyond that to embrace different versions of what art is, Who an artist it, what farming can look like, how do we care for nature or who a farmer is, rooted in the rich traditions of rural working-class communities.
Our mission is to support and uplift these communities, ensuring that local creatives have the opportunity to thrive where they live. Roova Arts was founded in response to the growing challenges faced by rural artists, particularly the working class, who often struggle to maintain both their livelihoods and creative practices in their home environments. We are committed to doing things differently, valuing a wide range of skills and perspectives.
With the biggest thank you for the belief and support from Joseph Rowntree Foundation
