Bradford will host contemporary "amoeba-like" sculptures next year as part of a unique art swap involving the city's famous son David Hockney.

German artist Otmar Alt has been invited to construct his work in Bradford's Centenary Square and Lister Park next April.

In return, work from Bradford's Cartwright Hall art gallery by Mr Hockney will be sent for exhibition in Germany.

The pioneering exchange has been organised by Bradford Council in a link-up with Bradford's German twin city of Hamm.

Mr Alt, who comes from Hamm, in Western Germany, will also display his work in Cartwright Hall until September 2006.

In return, paintings done by Mr Hockney, including the Grimms Fairy Tale selection of prints, will be loaned to Hamm's city gallery.

Bradford Council's director of arts, heritage and leisure Jane Glaister said Mr Alt was Hockney's counterpart in Germany and his abstract sculptures were ten to 15 feet high.

"They are dramatic, bright coloured organic shapes and some are a bit like amoebae," she said.

"We are hoping he will donate something permanent for the city. It is very exciting."

The exhibition will be staged amid growing interest in public art in the city centre.

Developers of major schemes are being encouraged to include a work of art and consideration has been given in the past to an "Angel of the North"-type sculpture on the Thornbury roundabout entrance to the city.

The Council also hopes to see prestigious works of art on the other main gateways to the city as its regeneration unfolds.

Bradford Council's executive member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawkesworth is excited about the exhibitions ahead.

"Hockney is known across the world," she said.

"I think it would be very good for people who are proud of his work to see pieces of art from someone who also has a very high reputation.

"But we must bear in mind with any public art that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."

The exchange will be followed by a major exhibition of Hockney's work in Cartwright Hall which is expected to draw world attention.

Paintings are also being borrowed to swell the gallery's own collection from sources including the artist himself and the Tate gallery in London.

Works by Hockney are also being transferred from the collection in Salts Mill at Saltaire for the biggest Hockney exhibition ever to be displayed at Cartwright Hall as part of the "Illuminate Five Cities" art project next year.