ART worth hundreds of pounds has been left on the streets of Darlington on Thursday.

Work by urban artist Bumblestik was placed in secret locations across the town ahead of the launch of a pop-up art exhibition at the Voodoo Café.

Hints and tips were released via social media throughout the day, with anyone who found one of the elusive paintings is invited to keep it.

Inspired by the #freeart movement, the unusual giveaway heralds the arrival of the Dystopia exhibition.

The Northern Echo: HUNT: Artwork like this will be left on the streets of Darlington on Thursday

The three pieces of art that have been placed in locations around Darlington

The Northern Echo:

The art has been left with a tag saying 'free art, take me home'

The pop-up show, run by the HIVE Art and Upcycle Gallery, will showcase the work of four North-East artists including illustrator and stencil artist Bumblestix, street artist Mr Hope, photography app iCoda’s developer Peter McAdam and photographer Si Richardson, who focuses on abandoned industrial spaces.

Bumblestik said: “I find the sterile atmosphere of art galleries really intimidating – it treats art like it is something that isn’t for ordinary people.

“This is why we organise pop-up exhibitions in places like Voodoo Café, where it’s more like a party where there’s art.

“People can come and look at the art, chat with the artists, and if they want to buy either a painting or a print that’s nice.

“What’s really important to all of the artists is that art should be enjoyed.”

  • The exhibition was staged from 4pm on Thursday. For more information or clues to art-drop locations, visit the Hive Art and Upcycle Gallery on Facebook.