A FORMER vintage clothing shop has been transformed into a new pop-up art gallery by college students.

The Prism gallery in Lord Street, Blackburn is designed to provide a contemporary academic space with visiting artists showcasing their work as well as students from Blackburn College.

It is the brain-child of Blackburn College art tutor Steven Baldwin and is designed to inspire, excite and encourage people from across the borough to become involved in the arts.

The empty building has been converted into a space that will welcome prominent artists as well as student exhibitions.

The first exhibition, by University of Sussex-based academic Paul Nataraj, is a collection of vinyl records etched with the stories of people who own the records.

Mr Baldwin said: "We wanted to create a contemporary academic space in the town centre that can welcome prominent artists and art graduates but also provide a real-life gallery experience for our BA Fine Art students at the University Centre.

"Students studying art subjects will be able to work with a number of artists and help to curate and set up their shows as well as receive guest lectures with high-profile artists.

"We’re delighted to welcome Paul Nateraj as our visit artist.

"This type of activity helps provide valuable experience for our students' CVs, professional practice and means they’re able to understand the workings of a real-life gallery space."

Students studying fine art have completely transformed the dilapidated building which has been provided rent-free by Blackburn with Darwen Council for the academic year.

The gallery will open one week in every month to members of the public with students staffing it.

Upcoming artists set to exhibit include artist in residence Cedar Lewisohn who has curated exhibitions for the Tate Modern on Street Art and is the author of Street Art: The Graffiti Revolution published by Tate.

Cedar will work with year one students on the course as part of the Found in Blackburn Project and Lee Walsh a successful contemporary designer from Blackburn.

John Harrison, interim dean at the University Centre at Blackburn College, said: "We are committed to supporting the arts in Pennine Lancashire.

"Establishing this gallery in the heart of the town was extremely motivating for our staff and students, as we want to strengthen our links to the regional community of creative practitioners."