ORGANISERS behind a Hampshire art project are celebrating after it was awarded £15,000 from the Arts Council.

The biennial Winchester event, 10 days, brings ambitious works to venues across the city and encourages people to enter their own - this year in response to the theme 'chalk'.

The funding boost means the project can put on talks, workshops, exhibitions and events as part of its public engagement programme.

Director Trish Bould said: “We are thrilled to have the support of Arts Council funding for the fourth 10 days project.

“One of the most exciting aspects is that this gives local artists the opportunity to be part of one project celebrating local heritage through the theme of 'chalk'. Geologically chalk is rare, yet Winchester is built upon and surrounded by it.”

10 days will this year see Winchester School of Art undergraduates develop work that will be exhibited in October.

Robin Iles, venues and learning manager for Winchester at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “We are delighted that this year, as well as the display of artists' work in the City Space gallery, we have been able to offer local practitioners an opportunity to respond to the wonderful collections the trust has on permanent display in Winchester City Museum.

“We can't wait to see how these artists turn the enthusiasm they expressed in a recent museum visit into works that offer a different perspective on familiar and much loved exhibits.”

Artists across all disciplines are invited to enter their work by June 1 for City Space, City Museum, Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Gallery, and April 28 for the Link Gallery and Theatre Royal.

Exhibitions will be open October 10 - November 7. For more information go online at 10dayswinchester.org