AN exciting platform for local artists has been launched.

Castlefield Gallery is launching New Art Spaces at Churchgate House, Bolton on Saturday August 27.

With the help of charity property provider Hammond Associates, Castlefield Gallery has taken on four temporarily vacant shop units and two large office spaces at the venue to develop and showcase new art and artistic talent.

The charity launched the concept, to turn temporarily empty properties to spaces where artists can present their work, in 2012.

Members of the public will be able to visit VS, a joint exhibition by New Art Spaces Leigh and Cross Street Arts, as well as exploring project spaces by artists Paul Turnock, Steph Shipley, James Bloomfield, Marguerite Heywood, and Geoff Levy.

Nicholas James, New Art Spaces coordinator said: “NAS Bolton provides a range of spaces for visual artists to test new and ambitious work in a collaborative environment.

“Coinciding with both the opening of the neo:printprize in the Market Place Shopping Centre and the Bolton Food and Drink Festival, we look forward to welcoming visitors to Churchgate House for an opportunity to meet the artists and to see the diverse and engaging work being developed and exhibited in the spaces.”

The launch of NAS Bolton marks the beginning of a creative partnership with Bolton-based neo:artists, who will be working with Castlefield Gallery to manage the Churchgate House spaces.

Jason Simpson, director of neo:artists said: “This is an exciting collaboration with Castlefield Gallery, giving artists in the region more amazing opportunities.”