THIS summer, the Worcestershire Arts Partnership is launching a series of four professional development opportunities for those working in the arts in Worcestershire.

The courses will feature both externally invited and local speakers who have been asked to share their expertise, learning and best practice for the benefit of the arts community.

All the courses will take place in the Guildhall, Worcester, from 10am to 12.30pm.

The first session will take place on Wednesday, July 11 and features speakers Deborah Kermode, chief Executive and artistic director of Midlands Arts Centre Birmingham and Clare Purcell, assistant director at Meadow Arts on business planning for success in the arts.

Then on Wednesday, September 12 managing partner of Indigo Ltd Sarah Gee and director of Equal Vision Manda Graham will talk about business resilience and sustaining your arts organisation.

There are two further sessions on Wednesday, November 14 and Wednesday, February 16 2019.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for communities said: "It's great to see Worcestershire providing a real range of development opportunities for artists and arts organisations. We are really fortunate to have secured some really high calibre speakers from outside the county as well as local speakers who can share their experiences."

There will be refreshments available and Wi-Fi.

To book a place visit: www.severnarts.org.uk/inspire-enable-empower. Sessions cost £10 for one course or £35 for all four.