EVER been brainstorming? Residents in the Suffolk Coastal area have the chance to put their brains to the test to help design the district's first-ever arts strategy.

EVER been brainstorming?

Residents in the Suffolk Coastal area have the chance to put their brains to the test to help design the district's first-ever arts strategy.

Suffolk Coastal council is holding a series of eleven brainstorming meetings in which people will be invited to give their views to help shape the future of the arts in the area.

The workshops have been organised by Kevin Gosling, the council's arts development officer, and cover all aspects of the arts, ranging from the visual arts to rural rock.

"Developing the arts is a major priority for Suffolk Coastal as it can result in a better quality of life and be a boost to the local economy," said Maggy Wilson, cabinet member for culture and leisure.

"The arts strategy is the key to unlocking the potential in the district and I hope as many people as possible take the chance to air their views.

"There is a real wealth of talent and activity in our district, with people of all ages involved in activities such as music, drama, poetry, arts and crafts.

"What we want to identify is how many arts groups are active in our area, their needs, how they can work together and share their knowledge and resources. We also want to find out what areas of the arts need more encouragement."

The aim is to produce an action plan setting out specific tasks by December 2004 and the work is being supported by East England Arts, which is co-funding the arts development officer with Suffolk Coastal.

Anyone is welcome to attend the workshops. More details are available from Kevin Gosling, on 01394 444294 or email kevin.gosling@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk

TALK SHOPS

n Arts and the Internet – July 5, 2-4pm, council offices, Woodbridge.

n Folk and jazz – July 8, 7-9pm, Saxmundham Primary School.

n Literature – July 11, 7-9pm, council offices, Woodbridge.

n Cinema – July 12, 2-4pm, council offices, Woodbridge.

n Theatre – July 15, 7-9pm, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe.

n Visual arts and crafts –July 16, 2-4pm, Felixstowe Leisure Centre.

n Rural Rock: music for young people – July 18, 2-4pm, council offices, Woodbridge.

n Visual arts and crafts – July 18, 7-9pm, Asylum Studios, The Old Library, Suffolk Drive, Rendlesham.

n Classical Music – July 22, 7-9pm, Wickham Market Village Hall.

n Theatre – July 24, 7-9pm, Wickham Market Village Hall.