THE rebirth of the old York Sony Centre at the top of Micklegate as a new community art space will be music to the ears of York’s artists.

The sterling efforts of ROTA (Return of the Artists) and York Artisans have fought against the tide to provide an independent, peripatetic outlet for the city’s artistic talent.

Now, however, funding from York St John University, Science City York and City of York Council has enabled York illustrator Ben Clowes to bring to fruition his vision of a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides an artistic hub – the first of its kind – at Bar Lane Studios.

“We’ve been very lucky in that we’ve worked in conjunction with York St John and Creative York and the city council have supported us in so many ways,” says project manager Ben, whose experiences as a teacher of fine arts and drawing at York College and Northumbria University led him to realise there was a need to assist emerging new artists make the next step.

With a further intention of regenerating this main route into York and igniting the city’s Cultural Quarter, the 7,000 sq ft site opens today with an exhibition by former Stones Roses guitarist and songwriter John Squire, 44, who created the Manchester band’s Jackson Pollock-influenced album cover art.

His latest collection, Structural Violence, will be on display until May 21, an initial magnet to attract interest in the venture with his hard-carved block prints that explore the influence of architectural structures and linear cityscapes.

Squire’s free exhibition and personal appearance tonight (by invitation only from 7pm to 8pm) may be the eye-catching opening act, but more significant in the long term is the creation of a haven for York’s creative talent, who can rent studios from as little as £1.50 per day.

Equipped with up to 22 studio spaces, a print workshop, an Apple Mac suite with input from Fossgate enterprise Pulse, a showcase gallery and a community café, Bar Lane Studios will hold various courses, workshops, networking events and seminars, as well as further exhibitions.

York St John will be sponsor five graduates from York through a scheme that gives the students free space within the studio, along with a bursary for one year.

They can draw on the inspiration of an artistic environment, not least the forthcoming showcases by national and international artists, who will follow in the footsteps of Yorkshire artist Nathan Walsh. He will be creating two paintings for the Jerusalem Museum on site and showcasing one of these at tonight’s preview from 7pm to 9pm, while York artist David Patrick has confirmed he will be taking space at Bar Lane.

“It’s something for the whole community to be proud of,” says Ben. “Graduates of Yorkshire will be given facilities to support their talents, and established artists will be able to use the creative space to enhance their collections and come up with inspiring work.”

To benefit local artists, there will be a second exhibition space.

“All we ask is for a £10 hanging fee, no commission. If it sells, there’s a £10 admin fee,” says Ben. “So that’s a great opportunity for local artists to have somewhere to hang their, which is what’s really lacking in the city at the moment.”

In other words, watch this space.

• A range of artist studio spaces will be available on monthly terms, along with five individual studios ranging from 100 sq ft to 215 sq ft, with an open studio of ten partitioned “hot space” studios.

• A full print workshop with screen printing, relief printing and etching courses and workshops will be available, including an afternoon workshop in July held by Askrigg artist Piers Browne. The print room will be open to monthly and annual subscriptions for artists wishing to take advantage of the facilities.

• The Apple Mac suite will hold courses for beginners as well as advanced classes and will run a digital youth class on Saturday mornings for 13 to 17 year olds.

• Courses and workshops in life drawing, painting for beginners, photography and jewellery design will be held throughout the year. Nathan Walsh will hold an advanced painting course. Courses range from £7.50 to £11 per session.

• An Open Exhibition will be held throughout August.

For more information, visit barlanestudios.com