Mentoring will be available to those working in the crafts sector

The Creative Skills Consortium project aims to help more than 600 companies and individuals in the region's flourishing arts scene over the next year.

The first phase of the project finished at the end of 2002 and assisted 540 people from a wide range of arts-based professions, including performers, arts administrators, musicians and artists, as well as writers and photographers.

The second phase will provide advice, training and mentoring to those working in the crafts, film and media sectors.

'Unique and vibrant'

Since January, more than 140 people have been given advice and guidance in the second phase of the scheme.

Also new for phase two of the project is a separately managed media skills fund, match-funded by South West Screen, which will provide applicants from the media sector with access to skills training.

Objective One is investing a further �286,000 towards the �762,052 cost of the scheme.

"The Creative Skills Consortium has already performed an important role in increasing the level of skills and adaptability of the Creative Industries workforce," said Carleen Kelemen, Objective One Programme director.