The People's Gallery, situated in the heart of the Bogside in an area previously known as 'Aggro Corner', was officially opened by the city's Nobel Peace Prize-winner John Hume several weeks ago.

As well as showcasing the mural work of the artists themselves, the trio intend to use the sleek new space as an arena for emerging young Derry artists to showcase their work.

Bogside artist Kevin Hasson told the 'Journal': "When the space became available, we jumped at the chance.

"The public are welcome to call in and look around and young local artists can come in and see what opportunities are here for them. As a new venture, it's very exciting for us so, hopefully, everything will go well."

Kevin said that the public feedback for the new gallery has been very encouraging: "The feedback has been tremendous so far. Local people have begun to pop their heads in on their way down the town, just to get a look at the space and to wish us well. It's been very encouraging so far and they all seem to like what we've done with the place.

"Some older people have dropped in too, and one said that they hadn't seen this place lit up like this since before the Troubles began. This particular location was always a flashpoint during the Troubles, and so in a way I suppose we are bringing life back to Aggro Corner."

The artist went on: "The idea was that within our own communities there are a lot of budding artists and we intend to create a gallery space where they can display their work in a real exhibition space and not be intimidated by the idea of getting their work out there in the public arena."

Local colleges

Future exhibitions could also involve groups of artists from local colleges who may avail of the space. Kevin says that as many as eight people have already inquired about displaying their work, be it fine art or sculpture, and that the pubic are already beginning to see the value of this free exhibition space and its superb location in the city.

"Other galleries take commission but we're not going to do that. We want to encourage young people to pursue the arts and by providing this free, public space we will hopefully break down some of the barriers of the art world.

"We're not going to change the world but hopefully it will help in some small way," Kevin added.

The first exhibition to take place at the new People's Gallery is to be an exhibition of Eamonn Melaugh's acclaimed photographs depicting Derry's 'Troubled Years'.