Organisers behind a new art gallery and community space set to launch next year are turning to the public to help kick-start the project.

Eastern Daily Press: The West Acre Gallery will be situated on the banks of the River Nar Picture: Courtesy of Abbey StirlingThe West Acre Gallery will be situated on the banks of the River Nar Picture: Courtesy of Abbey Stirling (Image: Courtesy of Abbey Stirling)

The West Acre Gallery aims to promote local talent, both established and emerging, from West Acre and across the region by providing a dedicated space to exhibiting art.

Organisers hope to raise £3,000 by Friday, August 17 to fund hanging and display systems, signage, storage, point-of-sale systems, furniture and accessories.

Situated in West Acre on the banks of the River Nar, the gallery will breathe new life into a disused historic building which neighbours the 12th century priory ruins, art studios and the farmhouse brewery Duration, which also due to open next year.

Eastern Daily Press: Driving the West Acre Gallery project is artist Abbey Stirling Picture: Courtesy of Abbey StirlingDriving the West Acre Gallery project is artist Abbey Stirling Picture: Courtesy of Abbey Stirling (Image: Courtesy of Abbey Stirling)

Driving the project is gallerist Abbey Stirling, an artist and furniture upcycler who works in a nearby studio.

She said local support is imperative to the project's success, adding: 'I want the community to embrace this project so that they can take ownership and in turn feel a part of this exciting cultural space and rural regeneration.

'The core ethos is to make visual art accessible to the wider community, and break down barriers in the often intimidating art world by operating an all-inclusive, non-discriminatory and welcoming space for all creative beings, regardless of their experience or training.

'Norfolk is such a creative county, and the gallery will provide a much-needed space dedicated to art and creative pursuits in an idyllic farmyard setting, in turn breathing new life into a beautiful historic building.'

Once refurbishment is complete, the gallery will be available to hire for exhibitions, classes, workshops and meetings, designed to be a place for people to connect and share ideas.

It will also house a gift shop selling locally made crafts and art inspired gifts, cards and prints.

The West Acre Gallery campaign is offering a number of rewards for project backers including signed artwork and exhibition space, as well as food and drink discounts and a carafe of wine at George & Dragon pub in Newton, Castle Acre.

For more information or to donate visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/westacregallery.