HOCKNEY inspired work by young artists from across the district will go on display at a Bradford Gallery this weekend, just a few days before a gallery dedicated to the artist opens.

Cartwright Hall hosts the Bradford Open and Bradford Youth open every two years, events in which amateur artists can submit their work and have it displayed in the prestigious gallery.

Earlier this month the adult strand opened, and the Young Open, for under 16s, starts today. The young people had been asked to submit art inspired by David Hockney, who celebrates his 80th birthday next week, or by animals.

Over 100 pieces have been submitted, from children as young as 8 months, and they will all be on display in the Lister Park based gallery as part of the exhibition.

Judges for the Young Open include artist Sarah Harris, Christine Halsall, Chair of the Friends of Bradford Art Galleries and Museums and David Horn, Head Teacher at Beckfoot School, and their choices for best pieces will be announced on Sunday.

The exhibitions are being held as the gallery is poised to receive huge international attention - next Friday its new David Hockney Gallery officially opens to the public, entirely dedicated to showcasing the work of one of Bradford’s most famous sons.

Sonja Kielty, curator at Cartwright Hall, said: “The Young Open is something we do every two years to highlight young home grown talent.

“I like it because it is great to see what children are doing at home art wise. It is nice to see what parents are doing at home with their children.

“There are also groups that have submitted work, schools, guides and other groups, a lot more than in previous years. We’ve had some art from a Downs Syndrome group.

“A lot of the work submitted has been in the style of David Hockney which has been great to see, some of the kids have used an iPad. It looks great in the gallery.”

Work from the adult Open has been on display for several weeks. Hundreds of artists across Bradford submitted work for the exhibition, and over 70 pieces were chosen to go on display, representing a vast range of different artistic styles and medium.

The winner of the adult Open was Lou Sumray, whose animation “Follow Me” wowed the judges. It is the first time an animation has won the Bradford Open.

An oil painting by Ian Robinson came second, and a ceramic installation by Eva Mileusnic came third.

The winners of the Young Open will be announced at a prizegiving ceremony on Sunday that runs from 1pm to 3pm.

The Bradford Open exhibition runs until November 12, and the Young Open exhibition runs until October 29.