ASPIRING artists, photographers and filmmakers have helped to put contemporary art back on the Cornish map as they breathe life into a brand new gallery in Truro.

To celebrate the relaunch of the fine-art Atrium Gallery, previously known as the Lander Gallery, photography and media degree students from Truro College have created the mezzanine’s very first exhibition, entitled Orbis.

Rejuvenating the space with a new philosophy and the desire to get more involved in the community, the gallery offered four students from the college the chance to host an additional independent exhibition at the venue.

Photography lecturer Marcus Way said: “It is such a privilege for the students to present the very first exhibition at the Atrium Gallery, right in the centre of Truro, a very popular space which has only been highlighted since the re-launch.

“I’m thrilled that the gallery has offered this amazing opportunity to students to help them develop as professionals within the real world of art.”

With the promise of launching the students’ professional profiles as practitioners, Chris Hall, Emma Coster, Darren Platt and Kathryn McHattie Jones begin planning for the next step in their photographic careers.

Applied media student Chris Hall said: “To end my degree with an exhibition at the new Atrium Gallery was fantastic. The gallery was so supportive, particularly to offer us the amazing opportunity to host an additional exhibition next year.

"I feel so privileged that my photography has been recognised and I am excited to create a new body of work for this exhibition. As for the subject matter, all of my fine art work revolves around the ocean and the beauty of the Cornish coastline so I can imagine the theme will more than likely be in keeping with that, it’s too early to tell just yet.”

Traditionally used every year as a final exhibition space, the college continues to support the gallery with plans to present work from the new access to creative media and photography course next year.