A CITY arts organisation has come up with a new role to help artists in the city.

Alys Scott Hawkins' new job as artist development officer at 'a space' will be to help artists further their careers and develop a plan for visual artists across the city.

It comes as directors at 'a space arts' oversee a £1.7million redevelopment of God's House Tower - and is part of the organisation's National Portfolio Status awarded by Arts Council England.

An 'a space arts' spokesperson said: "Alys will be developing and implementing an artist development plan for visual artists across the city. Alys was a previous resident of both the Arches and Tower House while working as a freelance animation director and artist, and is therefore well placed to give a unique perspective on working as an artist in the city.

"Alys has joined ‘a space’ arts from her most recent position as Senior Lecturer at Arts University Bournemouth."

Alys said: "This new job supporting artists brings together my background as an artist with my teaching experiences and research. I’m very excited about getting started in this new role."

If you are an artist living in the city, you can fill in a survey to have your say on programmes across Southampton or book an informal one-to-one session with her.

There will also be an open group discussion session on September 18 for artists to attend and inform the artist development plan.

As reported God's House Tower is due to open in 2019.

Ripe Bananas, a group of art studios filled by recent graduates from Winchester and Solent universities is also open at Alfred Arcade on Old Northam Road and is also run by a space.