Art Roots Grizedale is a major commissioning programme designed to reinvigorate Grizedale as a centre of international excellence for art in the landscape. The Forestry Commission at Grizedale will commission 5 emerging artists to develop new work for the start of the Ridding Wood Trail, taking inspiration from the landscape, situation and the nearby siting of the former Grizedale Hall and its history as a Prisoner of War camp during World War ll.

Lloyd Davis, describe yourself in three words Human-scale social storyteller

Who or what inspires you? People who connect as people. organising without organisations

What puts a smile on your face? People who don’t know each other already (but should) making that first connection

Who do you admire the most? Too many to choose from - anyone from Hand Made (ed. Tessy Britton)

The window of one of Runcorn old town's shops will be used as a living sketch book showing the work of two telented local artists from Working Title Artists Collective.

Just like a sketch book it will always be changing and reflect the ideas of the artists and local people as they pop up. If you are around at the same time as the artists you may even be asked to join in - or get involved at workingtitleartistscollectivecrea.blogspot.com

Beth Barlow and Jason Sheppard have spent the last few weeks learning about Runcorn's commercial past and working alongside local people to get ideas for their project.

It is part of the latest Creative Runcorn project, which has seen a 'flash mob' type project which caught the imagination of the press and public and a town centre knit which was featured on BBC North West Tonight and Radio1's Newsbeat.

Later in the year Working Title will be taking a webcam robot into the places in Runcorn you wouldn't normally get to see, behind the shutters and boards of closed down shops.

Some of what the robot finds will be items left behind by the most recent occupants, other bits will be objects from the past and the artists and local people might even add some ideas about what the future might hold for Runcorn.

Empty shops in Runcorn are providing an artistic and cultural renaissance for the town - with a project based on the history on the old town.

The project funded through the Arts Council England and working in partnership with Halton Borough Council has already brought the artistic pair into contact with local traders to collect and chat about objects which reflect Runcorn now.

The group has also had help from local writers and historians and residents and market shoppers.

Liverpool shoppers will get a chance to pick up some art when Metquarter joins forces with dot-art to launch an exclusive Pop-Up Art Shop.

The aim of the Pop-Up Art Shop is to showcase local talent and allow people a friendly, informal way to see and buy to quality, interesting, affordable art.

A wide range of pieces will be on display, from traditional still life to modern abstracts. Work will appeal to both seasoned collectors and first time buyers.

Tate are planning a special event to mark the disappearance of the artist Ai Weiwei on the final weekend of his installation 'Sunflower Seeds' at Tate Modern.

'Sunflower Seeds' is on display in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall until 2 May. To mark its final weekend, on Saturday 30 April Hamish Fulton will present an action from 12 noon to 2pm entitled Slowalk (In support of Ai Weiwei).

Would you like to be a trainee at South Kilburn Studios?

The Architecture Foundation, South Kilburn Neighbourhood Trust, Brent Council and Practice Architecture have transformed the site of 2a Canterbury Road in South Kilburn, into studio spaces available to those in the creative industries.

The tenants of South Kilburn Studios have each promised to train a local young person whilst receiving six months free rent. Each tenant will take on one trainee and teach them the skills of their profession working with them to build up a strong portfolio of work in their chosen trade.

To become a trainee you must live in Brent and be between the ages of 18 and 25. No prior knowledge of the subject you are interested in is needed so please fill in this form if you are interested in becoming involved.

Sky has announced a major new programme to support new arts projects and emerging artists.

The programme involves the creation of a new arts fund, Sky Arts Ignition, with two distinct and complementary strands: The Sky Arts Ignition Series and Sky Arts Ignition: Futures Fund.

BRINK, a not for profit, contemporary arts organisation, based in Kenilworth, is seeking works by Warwickshire-based painters and photographers for a 30-day showcase in an interesting and stylish venue in Kenilworth.

Works can be on any theme and there is also the possibility of exhibiting small sculptural works. All works must be available for sale.

Film Colchester is a new filmmaking group based in Colchester, Essex.

Artist and editor of artistsandmakers.com Dan Thompson has been crowned the ‘Unsung Coastal Hero’ in the Coast Awards 2011, in association with Joules.

The award was given in recognition of his work to use the arts to support regeneration in his hometown of Worthing, and for his wider work to bring empty shops across the country back into use.

Dan has worked in the arts since the age of 13, when he joined a community arts project at the Connaught Theatre. He is a founder of Rainbow Shakespeare, whose inaugural production was Twelfth Night on Worthing Beach. He was also involved in Shoreham's Beach Dreams Festival for many years. Since 2000, he has run Revolutionary Arts, which has founded trails of open houses and studios in Horsham and Worthing, as well as pioneering the use of empty shops for arts projects.

The annual Coast Awards celebrate the people and places that represent all that is innovative, valuable and exciting around the British coastline. This year’s ten categories include Best Boutique Hotel by the Sea, Best-Loved Pier, Best Green Marine Campaign, Unsung Coastal Hero and the Joules Award for Best Coastal Path.

Coast magazine was inundated with thousands of votes from across the UK and, searching for the very best Britain’s coast has to offer, a panel of seven experts – including TV presenter Michaela Strachan, Director of The Twentieth Century Society Catherine Croft, Managing Director of Joules Tom Joule and Director of Strategy and Communications at VisitBritain Patricia Yates.

The ‘Best British Beach’ and ‘Best Seaside Holiday Destination’ categories were decided on Coast reader votes alone.

TV presenter Michaela Strachan awarded the winners their prizes at the Coast Awards 2011 ceremony, which was held at the Country Living Fair in London.