The Surfacing exhibition, in the foyer of the Mick Jagger Centre, which features 21 pictures, has proved a huge draw in its first week

The display has brought optimism to a whole host of artists, who want to see a renaissance in art in Dartford.

One exhibitor Michael Fryer, 45, of Bean said: "This is just the tip of the iceberg. We've got a wealth of talent in this area and hardly anywhere for them to show it off.

"This exhibition could be a catalyst for Dartford artists, we need more events like this to show what we're capable of."

The display was organised by the Dartford Borough Council's arts office, which stressed local art on show was not the traditional demeaning type.

Nearly all the artists have sold their works at the event, which runs until Friday.

That success has made many of them believe a gallery in Dartford would help re-establish art in the public's eyes.

A council spokesman said: "The Mick Jagger Centre has good natural lighting and is designed as a mini gallery

"Visual art is a priority for this council; one of our longer term objectives is a town centre gallery space in a vacant shop unit."