LONDON, UK.- With Arts Council England funding, Commissions East is leading a fresh approach to unleashing the potential of the most promising artists based in the East of England. In consultation with the region�s curators, eleven artists have been chosen to take part in Escalator Visual Arts - an initiative that will enable them to benefit from financial investment, bespoke career development support and opportunities to show their work to new audiences.

To gain crucial exposure in London, the selected artists have been commissioned to create temporary site-specific work for a show entitled �Stay� at the Great Eastern Hotel (1 � 15 July 2005). The artists will respond to the Hotel�s private rooms and public spaces, rich history and proximity to the region (the Hotel is situated next to Liverpool Street station � a major gateway to the East of England).

One of the selected artists, Robert Sherratt, says of the opportunity: �Being part of Escalator Visual Arts means I have a credible context for the presentation of new work, along with the resources to make paintings without compromise.�

Escalator Visual Arts is part of a wider campaign initiated by Arts Council England, East to find, assist and invest in regional talent across all art forms.