GRAFFITI art, skateboarding and film-making are being used to tempt youngsters to explore museums through art.

The Urban Art project is taking place across Teesside until October.

Workshops and sessions will end with the Urban Art Festival at the R-kade Skate Park, Redcar, on October 15.

The day will be packed full of activities including skateboarding demonstrations, DJ workshops, skateboard customisation and graffiti workshops.

Urban Art is part of The Big Draw, a national arts and heritage programme, funded by Renaissance in the Regions.

It aims to encourage young people to explore and enjoy their local museums through art and drawing.

The first of three graffiti art sessions takes place on Saturday, at Hartlepool Museums Service's Sir William Gray House.

Other sessions are arranged for Monday, at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar and Sunday, September 4, at Preston Hall Museum, Stockton.

The workshops run from 10am to 4pm. For information, or to reserve a place at one of the workshops, call (01429) 523442.

Sophie Ingleby, outreach officer with Hartlepool Arts, Museums and Events Service, said: "The influence of street art can be seen across the arts, sport and business."

in areas like graphic design, multimedia and advertising.

"This project gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills and explore their heritage using a fresh, contemporary style."