ARTISTS and enthusiasts are being invited to take part in a programme of events to celebrate one of the biggest events on the arts calendar coming to the North East this autumn.

The prestigious Turner Prize is coming to Gateshead after the Baltic was announced as the first non-Tate gallery to host the exhibition, which will run between October 21 and January 8.

However, for art-lovers who can’t wait for its arrival, the centre of contemporary art is now hosting a series of Turner Prize Cafes across the region.

They are being held at a variety of venues and aim to give people of all ages the opportunity to meet and discuss the prize and modern art in general.

The latest was held yesterday on the beach in South Shields and the next will take place this weekend on the Newcastle side of the Millennium Bridge, as part of the NewcastleGateshead Bridges Festival.

Emma Thomas, the Baltic’s head of learning and public engagement, said: “We are hoping that the Turner Prize Cafe will open up discussion and debate about contemporary art with people across the North East. Our expert crew will be on hand to introduce the work of the Turner Prize nominees and answer questions on the Turner Prize.

“We hope that through this experience we will encourage everyone to come along to the Baltic and see the Turner Prize 2011 for themselves.”