An exhibition of work by finalists for this year's Northern Art Prize has opened at Leeds Art Gallery.

Pavel Buchler, Nick Crowe, Ian Rawlinson, Matt Stokes and Leeds Met alumna Rachel Goodyear have made it through to the final shortlists after being selected from a pool of 23 entrants.

An exhibition of their work will continue until 21 February 2010.

The winning artist will be announced on 21 January 2010, scooping the £16,500 prize money whilst each of the runners up will receive £1500.

The award is being supported by Leeds Met and is now entering its third year, with renewed support from the cultural, private and public sectors.

It has now become a recognised accolade, which has become the focus of much interest, competition and debate across the contemporary art world, drawing winners from a pool of artistic talent in the North.