Leeds Art students in competitio​n for window displays

Leeds City Council has launched a competition in

which local art and design students will design 'window art' to brighten up vacant retail space in outer Leeds shopping areas. 'Metamorphosis', 'Challenge', 'Optimism', 'Community' and 'Fantasy' are just some of the key words in the new ‘A Window of Opportunity’ competition where young creatives from Leeds College of Art and Leeds Metropolitan University are being invited to create designs representing retail spaces of the future.

The competition, which has been launched in partnership with design agency Definitive Creative and signage manufacturer New Concept Signs, has been devised to tackle vacant retail space in parts of outer east and south Leeds.

The winning designs will be unveiled at a pop-up gallery at the Crossgates Shopping Centre on 19 March where all entries will be displayed until 23 March.

"A Window of Opportunity is a great way of rejuvenating local shopping areas that have been hit by the current economic downturn," said Leeds City Council Leader Cllr Keith Wakefield. "These designs really brighten up the local area and I hope it encourages local businesses to re-think the use of the space."