A FORMER council office has reopened as a contemporary art gallery.

The former Durham County Council office at 17 Claypath, Durham City, has been transformed by arts group Empty Shop, with support from the council.

A new exhibition opens at the venue, renamed 17 Claypath – Contemporary Arts Space, tomorrow (October 27).

By Belfast artist James Adair, it explores the troubles in Northern Ireland. Its title is: Using Any Means Necessary.

Carlo Viglianisi, co-director of Empty Shop, said: “We are encouraging everyone and anyone to come along and see the exhibitions. There are no art credentials needed here. It’s about community and positive engagement.

“We want to build on the great work done by the likes of the Lumiere light festival in engaging people who wouldn’t normally consider art.”

Mr Adair’s show will be open Tuesday to Saturday until Saturday, November 3, from 10am to 4pm.

The artist will talk about his work in the gallery on Thursday, November 1, at 6pm. Entry to the gallery and the talk is free and open to all.

Further exhibitions are planned later this year. For further details, visit emptyshop.org/17-claypath or emptyshop.org