There's excitement building around Leeds this month as the official unveiling of the UK's most pioneering low-carbon development has been announced and organisers are calling for the involvement of local artists and designers, offering them a platform to showcase their work.

There are opportunities to showcase existing work, along with a competition looking for unique ideas for the creation of bespoke pieces to be incorporated into the development.

Committed to supporting the growth of the surrounding community, new residential and commercial development Greenhouse in Beeston (formerly Shaftsbury House) is set to create a gallery of work as part of their launch event, to recognise the creativity of the region. Looking for work that displays passion for the local community, the environment, and what Leeds life means to them, artists will be given the chance to display their work to hundreds of onlookers.

For artists keen to have a more long-term association with Greenhouse, they can enter a competition to create a bespoke piece that will then become part of the development's fixtures and fittings -anything from art to sculpture to furniture is up for grabs. Concepts will be showcased at the launch event, and the public attending the launch will then vote for their favourites. Greenhouse will then commission these artists to produce their proposed concept, for use in Greenhouse.

FREE studio space is also available within Greenhouse for all finalists* and a further exhibition will be arranged giving all finalists the chance to exhibit a wider portfolio of work at a separate gallery event at Greenhouse, offering even more opportunities for exposure.

Local artists and designers who have already registered their interest include Origami artist Giles Edsall, photographer Mark Jaffe and furniture designer Laura Wellington. The competition is open to artists and designers across all mediums.

Local not for profit arts organisation, Artsmix, is keen to involve as many of its artists as possible. Amy Bewick, Manager at Artsmix said: “We were very excited to hear about this opportunity which will give artists in Leeds a great platform to showcase their talent. Having looked around Greenhouse it's a very unique space and we're delighted that they're looking for original art and design to enhance their spaces rather than going for mass produced items as so many businesses do. Our artists range from origami experts, to furniture designers to photographers and all are very excited about working with the Greenhouse brief”.

More information about the competition and full terms and conditions can be found at http://www.greenhouseleeds.co.uk/art-competition

Citu is also putting a call out to all local community members for old photos from across the years and for stories from people who previously worked or lived in the old building (previously the seasonal workers lodging house Shaftsbury House), to be included in a gallery of photography detailing the dramatic transition of the building from 1938 to today.

This launch event on 2nd October will see the official opening of the doors to Greenhouse, which has been 3 years in the making, after local development company Citu saved the building from being demolished and earmarked it for regeneration.

Set to be the first of what will become an annual event celebrating Beeston's regeneration, local community members as well as potential residents will enjoy an access all areas tour of the development to see exactly how the eco-ethos of the building is embedded into every inch of it, from the sun being used to heat hot water, wind being used to power lights and lifts, and rain water and waste water being recycled to flush toilets.

The event will also boast eco-stall holders bringing a variety of green produce, from local organic delicacies to ethical fashion, and jewellery made from recycled newspaper, amongst other things!

Fraser Stride, Director of Citu, the developers behind Greenhouse said: “ With our launch event we will be celebrating becoming a real part of the local community as the development to us is about much more than the site itself. We're committed to being here for the long haul and want to build relationships with wider audiences than just potential tenants, so that Greenhouse has a real place in the Beeston community for the future.”

He added: “We're excited about working with local artists and designers to develop bespoke artistic feature pieces to give Greenhouse further individuality and support creative talent from across the region.”

The event runs from 12-6pm on Saturday 2nd October. Artists who'd like to get involved and residents with stories, or old photos, as well as those interested in having a free stall, can find out more at www.greenhouselaunch.co.uk.

Anyone interested can also leave a message on Greenhouse's facebook page www.facebook.com/greenhouseleeds or email fraser@citu.co.uk.

Greenhouse is located on Beeston Road, and comprises of 166 studio, one, two and three bedroom homes, together with offices, a free onsite gym, cafe , landscaped gardens and courtyard.

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