THE Western Education Board in partnership with the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (NWIFHE), Donegal VEC and the University of Ulster will be hosting a two week residential programme featuring a team of professional artists, for creative young people. The event will take place on 1-15 July 2007, to develop their artistic and creative talents through an intensive residential training and coaching programme.

The programme, funded by the Peace and Reconciliation Programme, is open to 200 young people aged 16-18, with a passionate interest in the visual and performing arts and multimedia from throughout the Northwest of Ireland. This year's venue will be The North West Institute in Derry and the University of Ulster at Magee Campus.

The areas of study will be Music; Rock/Pop, Irish Traditional and Classical, Drama; Writing and Performing, Dance; Contemporary and Hip-Hop, the Visual Arts; Painting/Drawing, Sculpture/Pottery and Fashion/Textiles and Media; Film/Video and Animation/Web Design.

Participants will receive expert tuition and guidance from a team of professional artists, including James Fosterone of the UKs most successful Art Directors whose film credits include 'Children of Men', Kingdom of Heaven' 'Gosford Park' and 'Chocolat'; Will Simpson, international artist, whose comicstrip art includes such character icons as Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Batman, Transformers and Hellblazer, and Zoe Conway, Irish fiddle player and holder of the All-Ireland Senior Fiddle Champion title.

A final Showcase will be held in the Millennium Forum and will involve the participation of Brian Kennedy, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, radio/television presenter and author. Application forms can be obtained in schools, colleges and Youthreach centres throughout the Northwest or can be download from www.nwacademyofthearts.com. For further information please contact Tony Talbot on 028 7127 6351 or tony.talbot@nwi.ac.uk