BUDDING artists are encouraged to pick up their paint brushes to help brighten up Dudley town centre later this month.

The project, called Paint Dudley, kicks off on Saturday June 29, where organisers hope residents will lend a hand with making a pop-up exhibition to showcase their creativity.

Kerry O’Coy from Eye Candy Festival, the team putting on the events, said: "We’re looking for painters, yarn bombers, crafters, photographers and sign writers.

"Whatever your favourite art form we would like you to take part in our pop-up in a day exhibition inspired by all things Dudley.”

Shoppers and residents are invited to pick up free art materials from the Gather cafe on the high street, or the market and then get to work to create artwork inspired by the town.

Kerry explained: “Anyone who takes part will have five hours to produce their work. They can pick up materials on Saturday the 29th from Gather or from our stall on the market and get to work. Once they have finished they can drop it off and join us for a launch event from 5pm and see their work hung on the wall."

The following week will also see a variety of arts workshops taking place in the town centre, including free sign writing workshops and guided photo walks.

Kerry added: “The idea for the workshops is to help us come up with a list of people’s favourite Black Country sayings or words that can be produced as large text-based artworks that will temporarily cover derelict and disused buildings and shop fronts."

The events will culminate in DoFest Dudley which takes place from July 18-20. The event offers fun street experiments on the High Street with the hope of spreading joy and kindness to the town, according to organisers.

No experience is need to take part in the all-age workshops or events.