REMEMBER FRED, and the ten-day art invasion across Cumbria in October 2004?

Well, one of the driving forces behind the event was Kate Brundrett, an artist in her own right, but also a creative woman whose ambition to pull the county's artists and arts organisations together under one banner resulted in her setting up the artist-led Cumbria Network.

Her mission: to provide a centre and focal point for artists to exchange information, find resources and help them to sell and exhibit their work.

"In 12 months, the network has evolved from a research idea into an established network used by artists and arts organisations alike," Kate tells me.

"I've had a great response so far. Artists who said they'd felt isolated now feel in touch. More projects are happening because people know what's going on and organisations are cottoning on to the fact that there is an enormous skills base out there that can be tapped into directly.

"All they need to do is pass any opportunities they have for artists on to the network."

Kate is based at Kirkby Stephen's Fold Gallery, alongside fellow artist Steve Messam, and already has more than 140 artists subscribing to the network's email newsletter.

Cumbria Network works with other organisations to support the county's artists and holds a database of useful information, such as exhibitions, studios, materials, bursaries, residencies, training and advice. Any artist can join and receive a weekly newsletter of up-to-the-minute opportunities as well as help with artistic practice.

Next Tuesday, conversation, creativity and curry are in the frame as net-workers' gather at the India Gate restaurant at Penrith to, as Kate puts it, "discuss the explosion of initiatives that are taking place across the region, with plenty of opportunities for artists to get involved."

Some of the movers and shakers in the region's contemporary arts world will be sharing their thoughts and expertise during the Interconnect-titled conference.

Taylor Nuttall, director of Lancaster's ground-breaking Folly Gallery, will talk about the new media work that Folly is facilitating in Cumbria; Peter Davies, from Cumbria Cultural Skills Partnership, will discuss training and professional development opportunities, funds and mentoring schemes; and deputy director of Grizedale Arts, Alistair Hudson, will enlighten the congregation about the local and international work of the cutting edge Grizedale organisation.

Kate's colleague at Fold, Steve Messam, will talk about last year's successful FRED artworks and project manager Jules Cadie will talk about the Federation of Studios.

Sounds like a good night in store.

Adds Kate: "I like nothing better than to fuse people's interests and skills in order to create a new project or partnership.

"It is this energy that makes good projects happen, and when there is lots of activity there's a buzz and a place with a buzz is a great place to be. Action is the end game. I want people to find what they need and make things happen.

"As well as eating extremely nice food, artists will find out what's going on in the area, meet other practitioners, swap information, get involved in new initiatives, discuss projects and unearth opportunities for collaboration and support."

The conference starts at 5.30pm and booking is essential via Kate, the Cumbria Network co-ordinator, on 01931-714070 or email interconnect@the cumbrianetwork.co.uk Further details are also available at www.thecumbria network.co.uk (link below).