A new programme of small grants worth £1m over the next five years is being targeted specifically at performing arts education initiatives for children. The grants will be made by the Clore Duffield Foundation, and both amateur and professional organisations are eligible to apply, as are schools and sixth form colleges. Trustees will consider applications twice a year, the first round being in early April 2005. Application forms and guidance notes are at w: http://www.cloreduffield.org.uk
The findings from a new report about the main barriers facing young people in accessing arts and culture have been used in the Scottish Arts Council?s second submission to the Cultural Commission, which is considering changes in the way in which Scottish culture is supported in future. Lack of activities in their area, a lack of information and opportunities at school, and the expense of arts activities are all cited as specific deterrents to engaging with the arts. The report, ?Expressing Themselves: National Youth Consultation on the Arts?, is at w: http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/information/publications/1001745.aspx
The National Theatre?s Stagework website has picked up the prize for ?best learning? as well as ?top factual? site in the Interactive BAFTA awards. Commissioned and funded by the DCMS? Culture Online initiative, Stagework goes behind the scenes to reveal the complexities of theatre performance for the benefit of general theatre-goers, life-long learners and curricular audiences. w: http://www.stagework.org
The new programme of activity to highlight and develop arts and cultural activity in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham has been named the ?Three Cities Create and Connect? initiative. It is supported by the Proposal Fund, which has commissioned new work by visual and performing arts-based organisations based in the three cities, for performance or participation in each of the cities. Further details from David Rose at ArtReach, which is managing the scheme. t: 0116 261 6882; e: davidrose@artreach.biz
A three-year celebration of music, dance, theatre, spoken word, digital and visual art, cross media collaborations and new writing from around the globe has been launched by Community Arts North West. The ?Exodus? Greater Manchester Refugee Arts Partnership programme aims to create access to cultural production for people excluded from or on the fringe of mainstream cultural resources. w: http://www.can.uk.com/exodus
The Dan David Prize, an award worth US$1m, has been made to Peter Brook in recognition of his contribution to the art of theatre and opera over six decades. Ten percent of the prize money is donated in scholarships to outstanding researchers studying topics related to the prize-winner?s field. The deadline for scholarship applications is 30 March. w: http://www.dandavidprize.org
The Theatrical Management Association (TMA) has established a central register of assisted performances to help its members avoid clashing with others when scheduling these events. The diary will include full details of assisted performances, and will also be distributed to national and regional disability organisations and audience development agencies. e: justine@solttma.co.uk