Astle BMW dealerships in Grimsby and Scunthorpe are to be transformed by local students into contemporary art galleries this month to mark the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon.

Students from local colleges and the University of Lincoln will be exhibiting contemporary artwork at the showrooms on Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st March.

The theme of the exhibition is an 'An Exploration of Beauty', which is the slogan for the new BMW sixth-generation 5 Series Saloon.

Through the exhibition Astle BMW aims to create a visual representation that reflects the stylish essence of the new model which continues its legacy as a classic and elegant vehicle with a dynamic design and sporty profile.

An award will be given to the best piece of artwork in keeping with the theme, as judged by well known local ceramic artist and creative industries consultant Peter Moss. The top prize is £250, followed by £150 for the runner up and £100 for third place.

The college which displays the best collection will also receive £500 from Astle BMW towards future art projects and provisions.

Colleges taking part are Lincoln School of Art and Design at the University of Lincoln, East Coast School of Art and Design at Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, North Lindsey College, John Leggott College and Franklin College.

Reflect the new BMW 5 Series Saloon

Astle BMW Managing Director Mike Baldry said: "We were looking for innovative artists to create contemporary artwork that reflects the new BMW 5 Series Saloon theme, and what better place to find such artists than in our local colleges and universities?

"We're very excited to see what the students produce around the theme and can't wait to see the showrooms transformed with over 80 sculptures, paintings, photographs, ceramics and other contemporary pieces.

"It will also provide each exhibitor and college with a great opportunity to showcase their talents to a captive audience."

This is not the first time that BMW and artists have been linked as BMW has run a cultural engagement programme for the past 35 years, which includes the creation of a BMW Art Car.

BMW last month announced internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons as the next in a distinguished line of artists to create an Art Car, to be revealed later this year.

Koons joins an illustrious group of artists that include Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer and Roy Lichtenstein, each of whom has made a unique artistic statement about the appearance and meaning of cars.

Mike Baldry added: "Perhaps one of the young artists displaying their work at our showroom will one day, like Jeff Koons, be asked to create a BMW Art Car."