EMPTY shop windows will be transformed into contemporary art in a bid to revitalise Malvern town centre and draw in the visitors.

From Wednesday, July 1, until the end of October the space will be used to showcase the work of around 40 artists.

Malvern Exhibition of Contemporary Art (MECA) is a new venture organised by the Worcestershire Contemporary Artists (W-CA) and funded by Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council, the Arts Council and the Elmley Foundation. The rolling programme of shop-front exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and installations will change every three weeks. There will also be a series of artist-led walks and discussions, some of these will be specifically aimed at children and young people. Andy Laffan, Malvern-based sculptor and MECA project manager, said: “By bringing art out of the gallery and into the community, MECA will make contemporary art accessible to everyone. We want to engage with a diverse range of people, some of whom wouldn’t normally set foot inside a gallery. “I’m sure MECA will be a talking point for both local residents and visitors as we’ve got some exciting and engaging art works lined up for the next four months.”

Manda Graham, arts development officer at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Not only is this a great opportunity to bring art to Malvern, by filling empty shop units, it will attract new visitors to the town centre and in turn boost the local economy. The MECA project will take art into the heart of the community and offer local people the opportunity to see contemporary art in a rural location.”

For details of participating artists, exhibitions and events go to meca.w-ca.net