A SHOWCASE featuring some of the best and most innovative examples of contemporary paper-cut and artists' books will be stopping off in Cumbria next month as part of a tour of northern England.

"Paperscissorsbook will be a stunning exhibition of contemporary paper craft with exquisite hand cut examples as well as the latest laser cut techniques,” says Karen Babayan, the Craft Tour officer with Highlights (rural touring scheme), who is curating the exhibition and coordinating events.

“There’ll be sculptural paper works as well as more intimate artists' books and we’re featuring work by British stars of this genre, including Rob Ryan and Andy Singleton, alongside international artists such as Linda Toigo (Italy), Mayumi Arakawa (Japan) and Priya Pereira (India).”

The exhibition will be at The Old Courthouse, Shap, from September 10-21 and Kirkby Lonsdale's St Mary's Church, from September 23-25, before heading to County Durham.

“We’ll have masterclasses at each venue with one of the participating artists,” continues Karen, “as well as storytelling sessions with Nick and Emily Hennessey at Shap and Kirkby Lonsdale and performances by members of Jackass Youth Theatre at Crook, Stanhope and Hexham.”

Each workshop has two places available for 16-19 years olds and the aim of the storytelling sessions and performances is to encourage more families and young people to participate in the tour and find out more about paperscissorsbook.

For further information visit www.highlightsnorth.co.uk.