A SPECIAL European cultural delegation will be descending on the town later this month as part of Chorley's European Arts Project designed to create more jobs in the area.

Chorley will be hosting a special three-day conference with their Empiric Project partners from Spain, France, Germany and Portugal starting on Sunday March 28.

The Project brings together four European Local Authorities to try and find ways to develop different arts and community activities by linking culture to employment creation.

Councillor Tony Gee, chairman of Sports Arts and Community Development, said: "During the conference, delegates will hear how Chorley is revitalising its local arts community through core-funding arts organisations, supporting professional artists and launching a Cultural Strategy."

As part of the conference, the European visitors will be taken on a tour of Chorley borough and will visit places such as Astley Hall's open exhibition, Cedar Farm Gallery Studios, Botany Bay and Chorley Little Theatre where they will watch a special dance show staged by Chorley Youth Dance Project.

Chris Mellor, Arts Development Officer at Chorley Borough Council, said: "The Youth Dance Project has been supported by the Empiric Project and is a good example of how local professional expertise can be challenged to support young people's creative work."

Other projects include an Artists Directory as part of a programme to get local artists working within schools.

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