A SCULPTURE will arrive in the North-East at the weekend in anticipation of the long-awaited reopening of a university gallery.

A 6.5-metre bronze sculpture by Norwegian artist Nicolaus Widerberg will soon be outside the new wing to the University Gallery of Northumbria University, in Newcastle's Sandyford Road.

The sculpture - a permanent installation next to the entrance of the gallery's extension -is being shipped from Oslo to North Shields, North Tyneside, after 18 months in the making.

On Sunday, it will be taken to the gallery by engineers.

After a 12-month renovation of the University Gallery, the sculpture will highlight the gallery's increased capacity to display sculpture and will mark an outdoor area for temporary sculptures. The gallery will open with an exhibition of Scottish Colourists on Saturday, November 27.

The People Show will be held from January 21 to February 18 after challenging artists across the region to enter the annual competition and exhibition focused on people.

The exhibition will show the best works on the theme of people, in a variety of media.

Prizes range from £50 to £1,000, including a new student award.

To enter, go to thepeople show.com or call 0191-227 4424.

Published: 09/11/2004