A project with the challenging task of bringing the arts to the most isolated communities along the Border has got under way in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Monaghan.
The Sliabh Beagh Development Association, a cross-Border partnership of 11 community groups, covers an area of some 800 square miles.
Mr Aidan McQuillan, the arts project officer, said that many roads in the area had been closed for years during the Troubles, with the effect of cutting off communities on both sides of the Border from each other.
"This is about building up communication again, bringing different people together from different areas to enjoy the arts together," he said.
Classes and workshops are being held in 11 locations over the 16 months of the project, covering all areas from painting and literary arts to circus skills for children.
"At the moment, we have painting in Knockatallon, youth drama in Derrygannon, story telling in Tydavnet and ceramics in Clogher," explained Mr McQuillan.
All courses run for 10 weeks. A one-day festival of workshops and exhibitions will be held next month and the project will have a grand finale with a three-day festival next August.
The Sliabh Beagh Development Association is based Roslea, and the arts project is part of its wider efforts to build up a tourism infrastructure in the area.
So far walking and cycling trails have been developed.
Training courses are also being provided both in arts tutoring and for those interested as working as local tour guides.
Mr McQuillan said the training aspect would allow the project to continue once funding runs out.
The arts project is receiving funds from the EU's peace and reconciliation fund through Co-operation Ireland and British Lottery funding through the Northern Ireland Arts Council.