Arts and Culture groups in Morden will be getting some expert advice to help them now and in the future.

A series of three workshops were developed in connection with "Chautauqua Spirit" the theme of Morden’s Cultural Capital project for 2008.

The first workshop will deal with marketing and will offer in-depth training for representatives from many of Morden's arts and culture groups including the Back 40, Pembina Hills Arts Council and Poor Theatre Company.

Larry Danielson, writer of the original Cultural Capitals proposal, conceived these workshops in response to a survey of local arts and culture groups.

Danielson says they are very excited to have outside funding for these types of training initiatives in 2008, but it's not enough.

"We're looking ahead, to build capacity beyond 2008 to ensure that arts and culture groups have the tools to become stronger and self-sufficient," notes Danielson.

Topics covered in the marketing workshop will include creating a marketing plan, building membership, and creating marketing materials.

The second workshop March 8 will focus on attracting and keeping volunteers, and the final session of the series April 19 will deal with best business practices.

Tickets for each of these workshops are $15 per participant, however members of Chautauqua Spirit arts and culture organizations will be given a limited number of tickets without charge.