THE SITE art festival, organised by Stroud Valleys ArtSpace, returns this year with major new developments to its programme, making it an unmissable experience for any visitor.

Building on the success of previous years, Site06 will be once again breaking new ground.

A host of exhibitions, events, performances, open studios, talks and workshops by local, regional and national artists working right across the spectrum of contemporary visual arts is planned.

The open studios exhibitions will be expanded to attract a broader range both of participating artists and audience.

This year's exhibition at the Museum in the Park will be selected by local artist, and director of the Jerwood Drawing Prize, Anita Taylor.

"The work will be chosen from the broad range of Open Studios artists and will act as a beacon, announcing the festival's desire to attract the attention of the wider art world," said ArtSpace representative Bryony Leatherbarrow.

"It will provide an opportunity for the local population to have access to the quality of exhibition normally reserved for urban locations."

The Stroud Subscription Rooms, the town's natural centre, will act as the focal point for visitors wishing to explore the festival.

The Taster exhibition, where all Open Studios artists show samples of their work, will spread throughout the building.

Site06 will run from June 1-30. Applications are out now for practising artists to participate in the festival and the deadline for submission is Friday, February 17 2006 .

To take part in Open Studios you need to have a studio in the Stroud district but there are many other opportunities for artists from across the country to participate and exhibit work.

To get more information and an application pack please send a large SAE (an envelope with 35p on it) to Stroud Valleys Artspace, Griffin Mill, London Road, Thrupp, GL5 2AZ.