A new arts centre is being opened in Dover this evening.

Nine purpose-built studios have been set up on the first floor of the Charlton Shopping Centre in High Street where artists and crafts people will be invited to take up residence, and exhibitions will be staged.

Shoppers will be able to see and buy artwork, meet the artists and take part in community art projects at what is being hailed as a new "creative hub for Dover".

The inaugural exhibition, which opens to the public tomorrow (Tuesday) is called The Walls in Three Places, and features work by many artists.

Charlton Art Centre has been created by property group Targetfollow, which owns the shopping centre and is committed to encouraging and supporting art in local communities.

Through its own full-time arts development manager, Sarah Cannell, Targetfollow organises exhibitions in its commercial properties across the UK, enabling artists to use spaces for exhibiting, or as studios and promoting artists' work through its arts website.

The centre's gallery will be available to Dover artists and arts groups free of charge with a 30 per cent commission levied on sales from commercial exhibitions. Studios are now available to lease.

Dover-based community interest company White Nave will be running the new centre and managing the gallery's programme of events in partnership with Targetfollow.

Anyone interested in hiring studio space at should call Rachael on 07732 426 194 or e-mail info@whitenave.com

The shopping centre website is www.charltoncentre.co.uk