By NICK JACKSON A FREE course which will help people become successful self promoted musicians, artists, actors, or arts entrepreneurs is starting soon. The three day business guidance course is being run by Bolton NEDA (Neighbourhood Economic Development Agency). It runs from November 18 to 20 and is aimed at people who have original ideas in many cultural areas of Bolton life, but do not know how to launch themselves effectively.

The course will take trainees from the beginnings of their business idea to the creation of a business plan.

They will have the opportunity to listen to experienced speakers who are professionals.

It is being co-ordinated by David Mc Murrugh at Bolton NEDA. He said: "NEDA has a great tack record in the creation and support of the cultural industries in Bolton. We were instrumental in assisting a group which went from running a market recordf stall to the opening of one of the most famouse and inventive record shops in the the world - Eastern Bloc in Manchester.

"These were Bolton based people who made the decision to work for themselves and it was really great to see them succeed."

Bolton born Anna Izza, press and PR manager for the Norther Ballet Theatre will run the marketing module of the course.

She said: "It doesn't matter whether you are selling a small piece of visual arts to a gallery or marketing a national tour of major dance work, the funamentals are the same.

"We will teach you a user-friendly approach that will be of benefit, no matter what you intend to market."

The course has received the backing of a national figure in the Arts, Bolton-born Sir Ernest Hall from Dean Clough in Halifax. On November 18 Sir Ernest will be delivering a talk to the trainees which will emphasise the importance of "cultural industries" in the social and economic framework of Bolton.

Anyone interested in joining the course should contact Mr McMurragh on 01204 522213.

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