A major new contemporary art gallery has opened in Durham, bringing internationally recognised artists to the North East in a significant boost for Britain's regional arts scene.

Called The Light, the new gallery and museum is the result of a £17 million redevelopment of the former Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, which closed around a decade ago.

The opening exhibition features work by major artists including Tracey Emin, Steve McQueen and Olafur Eliasson, alongside pieces from other international artists. The project combines contemporary art with Durham's military history collections.

The new venue is also part of a wider effort to move major cultural investment beyond London, giving artists and creative professionals greater opportunities in regional communities.

Curators say the gallery will explore subjects including identity, migration and social change, while providing a new platform for contemporary artists.

The opening represents a significant moment for Durham's cultural ambitions and could strengthen the North East's position on Britain's national arts map.