ARTISTS are being invited to compete in a new project to create 12 ‘viewmarkers’ in Teesdale.

Arts charity ARTworks in Teesdale are delivering a project for the Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership with additional funding from Arts Council England.

The project’s aim is to identify and celebrate some of the iconic views around the dale – particularly those that inspired great artists in the past, such as Turner, Cotman and Sir Walter Scott.

“It was our idea to get artists involved and to get some really creative alternatives to signs or plastic maps or explanation boards”, said Judy Caplin, co-manager at ARTworks in Teesdale.

“The aim is to create something that will be sympathetic to the landscape, and enhance the view without intruding upon it.”

Interested competitors must fill out an application form which will be followed by an interview process where up to three artists will be asked to develop plans which will go out to public consultation in the summer.

“We want people who live in Teesdale to be consulted and to see the designs and understand the benefits of the project,” Ms Caplin added.

The charity has deliberately not defined what a ‘viewmarker’ might be to allow artists to be as creative as they can.

Images could involve signs, seating or shelters or something completely different and there will also be a digital element with a website or app which will connect up other pathways and views projects delivered by the Heart of Teesdale.

The project ends in February 2016.

To find out more go to artworksinteesdale.org