BUDDING artists are being given the opportunity to have their work showcased on huge billboards around Leigh.

Artists from the Leigh Neighbours’ area are being asked to sign up to Our Art Neighbourhood, a programme of visual arts workshops supported by the community project and the Arts Council.

It aims to engage people of all ages with visual art and to promote a positive view of the Leigh Neighbours area across the borough and beyond.

As part of the project, the Leigh Neighbours Board will be employing artists in residence to work with people to deliver hands-on workshops, leading to exhibitions, urban art works and an ambitious billboards project.

Project co-ordinator Martyn Lucas said: “I’m delighted to be part of this exciting project.

"We’ll be nurturing local professional and aspiring artists as well as profiling the area in a positive way through innovative artworks.

“Come October, local people will be able to enjoy a burst of colour and creativity throughout the neighbourhood in a trail of urban art.”

The billboards will eb displayed across the town from the autumn.

Susan Gredecki, joint chair of Leigh Neighbours, adds: “We wanted to support a project which genuinely inspires.

"We’re keen to encourage local artists to get involved and we want people to enjoy engaging with homegrown visual art. I look forward to seeing the results this autumn.”

All the sessions are free and the Neighbours are looking to employ aspiring visual artists as paid assistants and volunteers.

If you are a self-employed local professional artist looking to develop your experience in community arts, or wish to volunteer, contact Martyn Lucas by emailing bowerarts@talktalk.net.

To find out more about the project, email ourartneighbourhood@lnpg.org.uk.