infamous urinal, amongst other works. Inspired to take action late last year after the credit crunch hit the high street, creative locals Carlo Viglianisi and Nick Malyan joined forces to turn a vacated retail premises into the home of a proactive and open-minded new art collective.

According to Carlo (a freelance photographer and 2006 young cartoonist of the year), the gallery’s mantra is ‘The answer is already yes!’ As long as the space is available and the work can fit through the door, ‘you’re pretty much in.’ If this super-inclusive approach seems refreshingly at odds with the art world norm, this is a deliberate move by the collective. ‘There is a massive gap in accessible, non-pretentious art space,’ says Carlo, pointing out that Empty Shop is a little more down to earth than your average white cube. Nick, with experience in art and urban regeneration, expands on longer-term plans to produce an arts organisation led by this generous philosophy: ‘We’re not trying to turn the establishment on its head or begin a revolution; we just think it’s important that there’s an alternative that gives people the space they need.’ Three short-term shows are planned for this month, kicking off on  April 3 with curating duo Jack and Vera’s three day postcard exhibition, ‘Weather is nice but the food is horrible.’ Next up is a presentation of photography to celebrate and critique the British city and our everyday landscapes. Finally, ‘The Happiest Show on Earth’ is an open call being organised by Kate Menzies. For updates on any of these shows, or to contact new arts group ‘Instant Mash’, hit the gallery’s friendly website. Nick’s message to Crack readers is a straightforward invitation: ‘Don’t be shy, drop us an email’ and join in!
-rebecca hunter

Empty Shop, 94c Gilesgate, Durham City, e: thefolks@emptyshop.org
http://emptyshop.org

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