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North Yorkshire is a beautiful county with rolling moorland, a rugged coastline, dramtic dales and picturesque towns and cities. So, it's no wonder there is an abundance of talented people inspired by the county.

Tracy Chevalier.

York has a number of noted authors. Historical novelist Sheelagh Kelly sets much of her work in York, from Viking times onwards. John Baker works in the crime fiction genre and Kate Atkinson’s books like ‘Behind the Scenes at the Museum’ mix the magical and the mundane.

Anglo-American author WH Auden, who is regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, hails from York. Both Scarborough and York host Literary Festivals in the spring and Harrogate is the venue for an annual crime writing festival.

The coastal town of Whitby is famous for its links with Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. Set in Whitby, the story incorporates many pieces of local folklore and draws tourists and goths alike to the town on Dracula pilgrimages.

Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn is based in Scarborough, where he has lived for a number of years. Ayckbourn is artistic director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where he premieres his new plays. The town is also the home of the Scarborough Spa Orchestra – The last remaining seaside orchestra in the UK.

Every year hundreds of artists throw their homes and studios open to the public in the York Open Studios and North Yorkshire Open Studios events. Going further back to the 19th century, William Etty was acclaimed for his portraits, as was Albert Joseph Moore – Both were from York.

Made in England

Made in England is a joint partnership between ´óÏó´«Ã½ English Regions and Arts Council England to bring audiences and artists together in unique collaborations to provide exciting new cultural experiences.

It is a project dedicated to exploring how England – the place and the people - is expressed through creative and artistic forms.

Think about the Lake District - dramatic and elegant, the lush greens and icy blues depicting an unspoilt England. William Wordsworth was so inspired by the landscape he wrote poems, sonnets and ballads dedicated to it.

Non-traditional art is just as important to recognise - graffiti on the streets, estates built in the Sixties, and even regional accents. Does this architecture, history and culture inspire you to think of all things English?

If you’re bursting with enthusiasm at the thought of creating something - why don’t you see how you can get involved? Visit the main Made in England site to find out how you can get your creative juices flowing.