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New guidelines have been published by the National Museum Directors? Conference setting out best practice for the process of lending between national and non-national museums. w: http://www.nationalmuseums.org.uk

Advice on ways to improve access at museums, galleries and heritage sites for blind and partially sighted people has been published by the RNIB. The Talking Images Guide is based on research conducted in collaboration with Vocaleyes over a period of two years. t: 0845 702 3153; e: [email protected]

A new report charting the effects of Sounding Out, a three-year study support project, has been published by Yorkshire Youth and Music. The project offered weekly out-of-school music workshops, involving activities from samba to singing, drumming to DJ-ing. t: 01422 383130; e: [email protected]

An open symposium and networking event taking place at the Drum in Birmingham on September 26 will be exploring the contribution made to the arts by emerging cultures across Europe. Organised by the Trans Europe Halles network, the event will feature keynote speakers as well as workshops and performances. Contact Jennifer Francis e: [email protected]

Training seminars for players and managers at ten of the UK?s orchestras are being organised by the Association of British Orchestras in association with the Musicians Benevolent Fund, to address the issue of noise damage in orchestras. t: 020 7287 0333; w: http://www.abo.org.uk

This year?s annual Informal European Theatre Meeting will be held in Birmingham from October 9-12, focusing on ?Cultural Diversity: New Realities; New Approaches.? Over 400 international arts practitioners will debate issues including new writing, inter-cultural practice and the development of site-specific work. The event will include a four-day artistic showcase highlighting contemporary practice. t: 07811 352819

The Poetry Society is inviting nominations for inclusion in a Poetry Landmark Archive to mark the tenth anniversary of National Poetry Day. The archive will form an interactive map to enable poetry enthusiasts to find landmarks in their area or events featuring in National Poetry Day on October 9. w: http://www.poetrysociety.org.uk

The Centre for Applied Theatre Research would like to hear from artists or companies working in the arts and criminal justice sector, to inform a review of literature and current practice. The research seeks to identify the range of different models of practice in the sector. t: 0161 275 3047; e: [email protected]