The search is on for the next generation of artists from Essex who have the potential to make it big.

YOUNG@ART is a pioneering project in partnership with the contemporary visual arts organisation, firstsite, which aims to discover and exhibit work by the most creative young people in the country between the ages of three and 18.

They are being invited to submit their work on a variety of dates and locations during this month for inclusion in two exhibitions of selected work which will tour nine Essex library galleries between this coming March and December.

The project is a change of a lifetime for young artists to get their artwork seen by as many as 500,000 people. The selected artists will also win arts prizes and their work will be included in an Essex 2004 calender.

Cllr Tracey Chapman of Essex County Council said: "This new art project is an excellent opportunity for young artists from all areas of Essex to have their work recognised and, if selected, included in a touring library exhibition."

Applicants should sent a stamped addressed envelope to firstside @ the minories art gallery, 74, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE to call 01206 577067.

Work should be submitted at Badildon Library, St Martins Square, on Thursday, January 16 to be collected the following day while the date for Brentwood Library at New Road, is Thursday, January 23 with collection the next day.

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette