A GRADUATE used her passion for creative design to set up a not-for-profit fine arts business.

Carol Metcalfe, who completed a part-time business development programme and new entrepreneur scholarship at Newcastle Business School (NBS), established Musa Fine Art in Newcastle.

Musa supports and showcases North-East artists through exhibiting, selling or hiring their work and arranges employment by securing commissions and teaching opportunities.

Ms Metcalfe, who is a fine arts graduate, said: "From my own experience, I realised that many artists found it a struggle to live and work in the region and I felt very passionately that I wanted to do something about the situation. "

Musa has won regional and national awards in recognition of its innovation and creativity.

Peter Short, Ms Metcalfe's personal tutor during her time at NBS, said: "Carol is a real inspiration to others and an asset to the Business School.

Her creativity, dedication and motivation prove that getting the right skills can be the passport to fulfilling your true potential and, more importantly, your dreams."