Artists in the York area are being taught to use their creative skills in the community, thanks to City of York Council. People with practical art skills will be able to gain the experience needed to be a community art worker on a course run by the council's lifelong learning and leisure service. The aim of the course is to provide practical help and advice on how to manage community art projects and to provide students with the skills to work with both able-bodied and disabled groups of all ages within the community. Wesley Zepherin, arts officer, City of York Council, said: "The sessions are based around a range of practical work and exercises. "Once students have finished the practical sessions they will have the opportunity to organise and run a short community art project, with appropriate support and a small budget." Students need to have, or be working towards, practical art skills in areas such as drama, dance, visual arts, music or digital media to take part in the scheme. The course runs on four consecutive Saturdays starting on January 18, 2003 at St Aelred's Church Hall. The cost is £20 per student. For an application form or for further information, please contact Wesley Zepherin on 01904 553393. The closing date for applications is December 9, 2002. END