EMPTY shops in east Durham will provide a blank canvas to creative inspiration.

The online magazine Now East Durham, in association with the art group Mad Natters, are to stage a mixed arts festival using the vacant shops within Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, as exhibition spaces.

The Why Art Man? festival will be staged during the week beginning Monday, October 19.

Now East Durham editor Alan Sill said: “We hope to build on a long tradition of artist involvement within the East Durham area, such as Victor Pasmore and the Apollo pavilion and more recently the Tommy sculpture in Seaham.

“Within the week-long events we are asking the question, simply 'why art?'

“Hopefully, we will get some answers that are relevant to the area.”

Mr Sill said there would be a mix of performance artists, established artists and newcomers involved.

As a precursor to the event a networking night is planned for interested participants, artists and partners at the Costa Coffee in the centre, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday September 9.

Live music from up-and-coming local singer/songwriter Danielle Parker, with guitar from Mike Wray will be performed during the event.

Mr Sill said:"With so much bad news around I feel that east Durham needs to become a new east Durham, and engagement with art could be the gateway for this change."

Bill Harris, a joint organiser of the event added: “The festival will

provide a key opportunity to enhance the cultural and economic well-being of the area.”

For further information contact Mr Sill on 07977 141 809.