ARTISTS are being offered a chance to showcase their designs in one of the region’s most prestigious settings.

Four designs inspired by the shrine of St Cuthbert will be selected for display in Durham Cathedral’s new exhibition space being developed as part of the Open Treasures programme.

Exhibitions officer Rebecca Read said: “We are asking artists to base their projects on the silks and the coffin of St Cuthbert, either from the whole articles of elements of them.

“We welcome submissions in any form from paintings to sculptures, to interactive soundscapes or audio-visual installations”.

Chosen pieces will be displayed in the cahedral’s Great Kitchen, alongside the Treasures of St Cuthbert, in 2017.

Artists will also be invited to work with the local community and families to create artwork as part of an outreach programme.