CHIPPENHAM'S Citadel Gallery is set to become the heart of the town's artistic and creative life, with acclaimed artist and teacher Syrah Arnold at the helm.

The gallery, behind the Tourist Information Board in Bath Road, has enjoyed a revamp and is ready to showcase the brightest and best talents in the district.

Miss Arnold, who is gallery co-ordinator, wants to draw artists and craftspeople together, and to bring their work to the attention of a wider audience.

But her plans extend beyond the boundaries of static displays, she wants to involve the wider community, students, and local business. The gallery is owned by North Wiltshire District Council, which in a bid to promote the arts has contracted Ms Arnold to breathe new life into the town's premier public gallery.

Ms Arnold is also negotiating with larger galleries in the region so members of a forthcoming Friends of the Citadel can gain free admission, and possibly discounts on artists' materials. "I want local people to appreciate and enjoy arts in this area and further afield, and to go away feeling inspired," she said.

She plans to install chairs and magazines in the gallery so visitors do not feel pressured to hurry in and out, or to buy.

New display cases will hold three-dimensional art and jewellery, extending the gallery's range. Now she is looking for artists and craftsmen to step forward to join the programme of exhibitions.

"Artists will be able to display their work together, which will make the gallery much more effective for the public," said Miss Arnold.

"It will be free to exhibit but the gallery will take 25 per cent commission on any work sold. Now we are looking for a sponsor to fund new flooring and we will also need volunteers to help man the exhibition space."

A noticeboard will advertise artists' work and publicise events. In the evenings the space may be available for workshops and talks. She is also hoping to draw more students and young people into the gallery. "I would like schools to visit more, and maybe it will inspire and encourage children of all ages in their own work," she said. "They will see that with hard work it is possible to carve some sort of living from creative work."

Among the coming attractions are Jeff Gibbons, a Chippenham artist, who will exhibit in December alongside guest artists Carol Kibble and Eunice Deeley.

In January Kevin MacMalan, from Westmead Lane in Chippenham, will share his rustic furniture, which he crafts from coppiced hazel.