A NEW arts education agency has been launched at the refurbished DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

The Forge is a one-stop shop for design, delivery and advice that aims to develop arts education projects throughout the county.

As well as producing high-quality projects for young people, The Forge will help artists to build relationships with schools and the community.

It will also run training sessions for artists and teachers, act as an advocate for the role of arts in making creative, healthy people and communities and raise money for the arts.

It is funded by Durham County Council, Northern Arts and the Regional Arts Lottery programme.

Forge director Tony Harrington said: "I believe there is a real hunger for arts in this region and a lot of untapped creativity. I'm determined to ensure that young people get the opportunity to work with artists in an exciting and innovative way."

The agency was launched with a performance by youngsters from St Bede's School, Lanchester, and Indian dance team Natyanjali, five of whose eight members are blind. The dancers are in the region for two months and are holding a series of workshops in schools.

Mr Harrington said: "We are very excited about the arrival of Natyanjali. It is a special opportunity for the people who get a chance to work with the company. They are an inspiration to us all in overcoming adversity.

"Natyanjali present a positive image of Indian people who, despite enormous difficulties of not only poverty but also disability, have emerged as talented and independent. They were destitute until they learned to dance and now they support themselves and their families."