A PRIZE fund has been launched for budding artists to use contemporary art to regenerate Darlington.

The Dover Prize will consist of a two-year bursary of £10,000 and will be awarded to an artist to provide them with “time to think, research, reflect and experiment” with new ideas that will create work to be premiered in the town.

The opportunity is open to any UK-based artist and the award will be given to the person who can raise the profile of contemporary arts in Darlington and therefore making a positive impact on the town.

A shortlist of three artists will be chosen for interview for the prize, which is being administrated by County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF).

The Dover Prize Exhibition began in 1998 and last year, the CDCD commissioned a report to investigate how the scheme could be developed in order to attract national applicants and increase the prize fund to £10,000.

Lynda Docherty, of Darlington Arts Society, said: “Having been involved with the Dover Prize in Darlington since its exception, I am delighted that the competition is to continue.

To apply, visit www.cdcf.org.uk before September 30.