A VISUAL arts festival is coming to town from August 7 to August 10 in the shape of 'Art Okehampton 13'.

The intention, said Paul Vachon from the Arts Okehampton Festival Group, is to 'promote, and create awareness and enjoyment of the visual arts to a wide audience of habitants and visitors to the town'.

The festival will include exhibitions of paintings, photographs, sculpture, film and prints from artists, clubs and groups from within the West Devon area.

There will also be talks, for the public, of all ages, to become involved with.

The festival will be held at several venues within the town, including the Charter Hall, the John Young Gallery at the museum, the Okement Centre Hall and the new Pavilion. Other smaller venues could become involved, such as cafés, empty shops and the library.

Paul added: 'This event will not only help promote existing and budding artists, but also encourage creativity, imagination and new artists.

'It will also create a cultural legacy and hopefully become a tourist attraction, increasing visitors and potential retail revenue to the town.'

If successful in the first year, it is envisaged that the festival will become a regular event in Okehampton.

Artists, photographers and filmmakers, of all ages and abilities will be invited to submit works for this first major festival.

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They are also looking for volunteers to help with the festival and for people who could give talks, demonstrations or be involved with the workshops.