Thirteen arts-based community groups will split the money from the London Development Agency's (LDA) 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund and put on courses in drama, costume-making, technical theatre, film-making, music production, photography, advertising and event management.

This is the third and final round of the £1.2 million fund, managed by Arts Council England and backed by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

He said it could help "ensure the capital comes out of the downturn equipped for future success".

It has helped Londoners improve their job chances in the creative industries and take part in the Cultural Olympiad and other arts-related activities in the run up to 2012, he said.

Schemes in Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Southwark, Camden, Lambeth, Merton, Islington, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Brent will all benefit from the fund.

They include £37,166 to the Leonard Cheshire Disability in Southwark which will offer an accessible media club, for residents to develop new skills in film making, photography and radio broadcasting plus mentoring and employment support.

LDA chief executive Peter Rogers said: "London's creative industries are one of our most important economic sectors.

"The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund will help hundreds of Londoners improve their creative skills and put them in a better position to take up job opportunities in one of London's most vibrant sectors."

Moira Sinclair, the executive director of Arts Council England, London, said: "Arts Council is delighted to have worked with the London Development Agency to create these cultural opportunities for communities across London.

"The 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund has and will continue to develop local talent and equip people with creative skills leading up to the fantastic cultural opportunity in 2012.

"These projects will bring us a step closer to achieving our collective vision of inspiring and raising the aspirations of Londoners for years to come."