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A pilot scheme to help Scotland?s artists and designers to set up their own businesses has been extended across the whole of Scotland. The Cultural Enterprise Office, which will support people in all areas of the creative sector including visual arts, design and film, will offer free advice surgeries, networking events and seminars, as well as phone and email support. t: 0844 544 9990; e: [email protected]

The Puppet Centre Trust has awarded two bursaries to support the long-term development of artists committed to puppet or object work. Alison McGowan will be setting up workshops for artists to develop puppetry skills and establishing the new Puppet Boat Theatre in Newcastle. Sarah Wright will be exploring interdisciplinary collaboration between technology-based art and puppetry. w: http://www.puppetcentre.com

As part of National Enterprise Week, a one-day conference focusing on the role of higher education in developing and supporting emerging creative artists and new creative enterprises will take place at Lancaster University on 16 November. Expressions of interest in presenting or leading workshop sessions at this event are currently being sought. Contact Ralph Brown, e: [email protected]; t: 01524 593545

Apocalypse (pictured), a forty-five minute performance combining live music and electronics, real time video, movement and lighting, has been performed as part of Cork?s 2005 European Capital of Culture celebrations. The production was developed as collaboration between Scotland?s Theatre Cryptic and trumpeter Mark O?Keeffe, who received a £30,000 Creative Scotland Award in 2003.

?Doing the Arts Justice?, a new publication by The Unit for the Arts and Offenders, provides a review of the research literature, practice and theory that is currently contributing to the evidence base for the effectiveness of the arts within criminal justice. It examines the application and impact of arts practice in crime prevention, custodial and community sentencing and resettlement. Contact Katy Richardson, e: [email protected]; t: 01227 470973

A new good practice guide aimed at housing practitioners gives details of the contribution the arts can make to housing development, refurbishment and resident involvement programmes, and its role in increasing social capital, participation and tackling exclusion. Commissioned by The Housing Corporation and Arts Council England, it provides case studies and photographs of a range of arts projects recently commissioned by residents or housing providers. Contact Graeme Beedham, e: [email protected]