UP-and-coming artists are being given the chance to shout about their work in an innovative scheme offering a platform to showcase their creative talent.

A pop-up exhibition will provide the chance for artists and designer makers to demonstrate their creative skills alongside established artists in an affordable and nurturing setting.

Shout About Art is the idea of artist and college lecturer Donna Slyfield who feels that more outlets to promote high-end art and design will encourage links between galleries and new talent. Donna is organising a number of events to give emerging talent public exposure.

The next event will be staged on Saturday, May 17, at Hurworth Grange, Hurworth, near Darlington, providing exhibition space for artists working with a variety of disciplines, ranging from fine art, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, print, illustration, photography and more.

As well as giving the artists the chance to test their market, it gives the public the opportunity to view, buy and commission original artwork, building a collection that could also become an investment for the future.

“Since starting this venture I have become much more aware of the pleasure that art and design can bring to people,” says Donna, who enjoys painting sea and landscapes. “Meeting the artist/designer maker and learning more about their work provides a much more meaningful experience for the purchaser.

“I am also keen to support young graduates who perhaps are unsure how to make those tentative steps into a commercial environment. They may not have the confidence to approach galleries or the funds to buy large exhibition space. Shout About Art allows them to move forward and help them think about using their artistic skills to make a living.”

For Donna, of Darlington, the venture represents the culmination of a childhood passion. “I have always had a keen interest in art,” she says. “As a child I was always drawing, painting and making things so it’s no surprise that art has remained an important part of my life. I feel it is important to encourage people to enjoy and participate in the arts. So it’s great that now, finally, I’m able to put my ideas into practice.”

The project debuted last year and saw more than 250 people through the door to enjoy the work of 20 exhibitors and a youth art expo designed to encourage young people to participate in the arts, which will be repeated this year.

  • Exhibitor prices remain the same at £70 for a large area and £50 for a small.

Entry is £2 at the door with children under 14 years old free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Discounted family and friend’s tickets for four adults are available from eventbrite.co.uk/e/shout-about-arthurworth- tickets.

Exhibitors will also be featured on the Shout About Art website – shoutaboutart.com – where full details of the event can be found and Donna is also considering developing an on-line directory featuring bespoke work by local artists.