CITY of York Council set out its stall this week with a two-day arts market at its new West Offices.

The interactive event was run by artist John Newling assisted by York St John University fine arts students.

Professor Newling, Emeritus Professor of Installation Sculpture at The Nottingham Trent University, said: “The market was an attempt to make transactions between people and emerging artists from the City of York. A kind of ‘capital’ of ideas and expressions as a valued currency of exchange.”

Councillor Sonja Crisp said: “York is an innovative city with vibrant creative and education sectors. Just as the council’s new centre at West Offices has given a new lease of life to a historic building now embellished with vibrant works of public art, so we want to create a lasting legacy for artists and citizens alike.”

Nine market stalls were open yesterday and Thursday. The market was funded by West Offices developers S Harrison and Buccleuch as part of their commitment to the artistic legacy of the building and was co-ordinated by Yorkshire-based creative company, Beam.