UNEXPECTED and overlooked locations in Colchester and Tendring could become the focal point of visual art commissions as part of an exciting three-year project.

New Geographies is a £600,000 initiative, funded by Arts Council England, which invites members of the public to nominate places for ten artworks by leading UK and international artists.

The first will be unveiled next summer and they will continue being revealed until Autumn 2019 in six counties including Essex and Suffolk.

The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall in Bradwell-on-Sea has already been nominated but the East Contemporary Visual Arts Network (ECVAN) is vying for more suggestions to spruce up our region.

Donna Lynas, chairman of ECVAN, said: "The idea is for us to create a new map of the East of England, one based on personal thoughts and reflections rather than historical or economic centres.

"Any location will be considered, whether poetic or prosaic, and if selected, artists will respond to these places by making work that will be sited in each of the locations.

"We hope these new commissions will be enjoyed not only by the people and communities that nominated them, but also bring visitors who will be able to explore the East of England through these new geographies."

The Colchester School of Art, Minories gallery and Essex University are part of several galleries, museums and art institutions which consult on the ECVAN steering committee.

To nominate a location, email info@newgeographies.uk or visit newgeographies.uk before October 22.