The National Foundation for Youth Music has launched a new research study into the world of the professional musician today, to inform those responsible for the training and professional development of musicians about the industry?s changing patterns of employment. Funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the research will involve an audit, interviews and focus groups with students, performers, employers, and trainers. To be involved in the research, contact Rick Rogers t: 020 7722 1966 e: info@youthmusic.co.uk. _
Arts archive (http://www.arts-archive.com) has been set up to provide a comprehensive database giving access to six years of historical information collated by UK Theatre Web (http://www.uktw.co.uk). Dynamic Listing Ltd, the team that runs UK Theatre Web, is looking for partners to help develop this resource for use in education, research and within the performing arts industry. Anyone holding other sources of data that would broaden the scope of the work, or a partner willing to fund the process, should contact Bob Wallis t: 01322 661197 e: bob@dynamiclisting.com _
As part of its consultation on its Cultural Diversity Strategy, the Arts Council of Wales is holding a series of seminars at which key issues will be debated. The seminars will be held at five locations across Wales, between June 13 and June 26. For details contact Janine Reynolds t: 029 2037 6500 e: janine.reynolds@ccc-acw.org.uk _
The ADAPT Trust is offering grants to improve access for visually impaired people, with maximum grants up to £4,500 and 75% of the project cost. The closing date is September 2001. Contact ADAPT t: 0131 346 1999. _
The Arts and Humanities Research Board has announced the closing dates for applications to its latest round of schemes, including its Fellowships in the Creative and Performing Arts Scheme, which helps higher education institutions appoint researchers in practice-based arts for a period of up to three years. Applications for the scheme, which is only open to those who have not been employed full-time in the UK higher education sector, must be made before September 28. Contact Alison Henry t: 0117 931 7415 e: a.henry@ahrb.ac.uk _
The projects and achievements of the Year of the Artist are being showcased in the commemorative brochure ?Breaking the Barriers?, and distributed through all the UK?s local libraries. A limited supply of further copies is available on request from the Year of the Artist office. t: 0114 249 5369 _
Nottingham Playhouse, the only British theatre to belong to the European Theatre Convention, is hosting a conference on June 8 and 9 at which 34 members of the group will be attending. The conference is also providing opportunities for English theatres to display material about work they are hoping to tour abroad, including Steven Berkoff ?s Ritual In Blood, the world première of which will be staged at the Playhouse at the time of the convention.