Recent news from England's ten Regional Arts Boards, which are currently in a process of transfer to a new organisation also encompassing the Arts Council of England (ACE). Further information regarding the creation of a new arts funding organisation for England, and regarding the role and programs of the existing RABs is available online at: www.arts.org.uk Yorkshire Arts distributes Lottery funds Yorkshire Arts, RAB for part of north-east England, has distributed £235,000 to eleven projects in its latest round of Regional Arts Lottery Program (RALP) funds. Projects to be assisted include a twelve-month writing residency at Armley Prison, touring plays and the development of new works, as well as construction of a transportable pavilion for the Settle Flag Festival. Decisions on the nationally funded RALP fund are made at a local level, and more than £2 million are distributed annually in the area administered by Yorkshire Arts. Online database of venues and promoters launched The ten RABs are currently establishing an online database of detailed information about England's arts venues, promoters and festivals, to facilitate national touring and possible co-productions. Information to be covered for each organisation will include: contact and location details; artistic policy; spaces and stages available, and facilities for companies and patrons. Initially, the focus will be on the performing arts, but the intention is to extend the database to other artforms over time. 'Our aim is to provide users with a comprehensive, accessible, versatile resource with flexibility for future development as users’ needs change,' commented the Arts Boards in a news release. Although still under construction, the database is available online at: www.arts-venues.co.uk Organistations in England wishing to be included on the database should complete the questionnaire located at www.arts.org.uk/directory/press_office/arts_news/docs/Venues_Q.doc by 28 February 2002. North West RAB distributes RALP funds North West Arts, RAB for part of north west England, has distributed £188,101 to eight organisations in its latest round of Regional Arts Lottery Program (RALP) funds. The largest single award (£30,000) went to Whalley Range All Stars Theatre Group, based in Manchester, for a new outdoor show, while Big House Theatre Company was also funded for a project involving both able bodied and disabled people.