AN international arts symposium, giving a fresh perspective on bringing historic buildings back to life, is being held today in Brierfield Mill.

The landmark building, now known as Northlight, is the subject of a £25million marina, hotel and residential masterplan being promoted by Pendle Council and development partners PEARL.

And today, Brierfield arts collective In-Situ is hosting an expansive exhibition featuring artists from the USA, Pakistan and around the country.

William Titley, one of the Pendle group’s artists, said: “It’s quite a coup to get leading international artists to Brierfield, and this event will shine a cultural spotlight on Northlight.

“Two years ago, who’d have thought we’d be inviting dynamic international artists to Brierfield and attracting artists, arts managers and curators from all over the North West?”

The artists include Rick Lowe, who has worked on a ‘project’ houses initiative in Houston, Texas, and has exhibited around the world.

He will be joined by Risham Syed, an assistant professor at The Beaconhouse University, Lahore, and Dr Virginia Whiles, a leading figure in South Asian contemporary art and associate of Chelsea College of Art and Design.

The symposium, open to the public from 4pm to 7pm, is entitled ‘International Networks & Local Landscapes’ and a trailer event has already been held at the town’s library.

An exhibition of 200 postcards from around the globe will feaure.

Coun Joe Cooney, Pendle Council leader and a board member for PEARL (Pendle Enterprise And Regeneration Ltd), said: “We’re keen for Northlight to be the centrepiece, because arts and culture are part of our ambitious masterplan for transforming this iconic building and making it a destination for the North West.”