THOUSANDS of naked volunteers will take part in a mass strip in the North-East for an art installation, it was confirmed yesterday.

As revealed by The Northern Echo last month, US artist Spencer Tunick will photograph the nude throng in Newcastle just before dawn on Sunday, July 17.

His pictures will be shown next January at Baltic, Gateshead's centre for contemporary art, which has commissioned the project.

Mr Tunick has made headlines around the world for his "installations" featuring hordes of naked people.

Tim Bartlett, chief executive of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: "This will be a major international event. It is really going to help put us on the map culturally.

"Spencer Tunick is extremely well known and this is why we are so proud. Apart from a few small events in London, we are the first UK location to host one of his major installations."

Mr Bartlett said the event could generate £2m in visitor expenditure on the day alone, with further benefits from images of Newcastle Gateshead appearing on Spencer Tunick's website and in other media.

"It is going to give tremendous exposure to the transformation of the quayside areas, which will provide a spectacular backdrop," he said.

Published: 21/05/2005