Home-grown artists, designers, musicians and writers have been given the chance to sell their wares on the high street in the run up to Christmas.

The New Art Centre (NAC) has opened a temporary retail outlet in Rochester to promote the work of creative talent in the Towns.

Supported by Medway Council, NUCLEUS Rochester bolsters the local arts scene by giving all manner of home-grown talent a chance to by-pass the gallery and retail system and place their creations on the shelves without the often disheartening battle with stock buyers.

Staffed by voluntary artist labour, NUCLEUS has attracted more than 85 exhibitors, ranging from award-winning professionals to recent graduates and students, many of who have seized the opportunity to man the shop floor in order to meet potential clients and customers face-to-face.

Paula Groves, sculptor and head of NAC arts development said: “The NAC wanted this opportunity to be open to all - the current economic climate has been difficult for artists. I know of several seasoned pros that have been forced to give up their practices and find other work as a result of the credit crunch, which is really sad.

What we hope to do with NUCLEUS Rochester is go some way towards helping the remaining creative talent in Medway to weather the storm and encourage mutually profitable partnerships between local artists, businesses and organisations.

“We had no idea the frenzy of excitement the project would generate.

It’s heartening to see so many faces emerging from the woodwork – the sense of community and solidarity has been tremendous. But more importantly people have been selling work.

“The support of Medway Council and, in particular, Halpern Properties who have given us use of the space has been fantastic.

If this pilot project is successful it could pave the way for further opportunities of its kind.”

The shop offers people the chance to buy unusual Christmas gifts - paintings, drawings and sculpture, greetings cards, jewellery, CDs, books, clothing and accessories.

Find the store at 73, High Street, Rochester (formerly Francis Iles Craftworks) until early January 2009.

For details of opening times call 01634 812108 or email mail@thenac.co.uk.