(Above) Local artist Matt Mellor with his design for Windows of Opportunity
Windows on the busiest shopping streets in York will become blank canvasses as two more empty shops join a public competition for local artists aiming to turn the retail recession into an art boom.
The sites, in Coney Street and Goodramgate, will build on the success of three existing windows forming unusual exhibitions.
Janet Barnes, Chief Executive of York Museums Trust, and Frank Wood, Chair of York Retail Forum, in front of The Opportunity Shop design by Vorm
"This is the perfect chance for artists to create something that will be seen by literally thousands of people going about their lives in the centre of York," announced York Museums Trust leader Janet Barnes, calling the spaces "an ideal way of enhancing the city centre".
"The three windows already showcasing work have been getting a great response."
Rob Pratt with his design
As the name suggests, Windows of Opportunity is an open brief, comprising a contest to decide who gets to dress the new windows.
Organisers York Museums Trust, Visit York and the City of York Council have already persuaded local talent including Matt Mellor, Vorm Graphic Design and Seamless Media to take part.
Visit Windows of Opportunity online to enter. Deadline for entries is October 11 2009.
