New prizes donated to the Brighton Festival Fringe mean artists stand to win a share of a £4,000 fund.

Three pieces of work will be chosen from paintings, sculpture, crafts, installations and multi-media.

Judged by an independent panel, the first prize will be £2,000 with two others of £1,000 each.

The Arts Trust of Brighton and Hove has given a total of £20,000 to be used for the awards over five years.

The Brighton Festival Fringe, launched last week, includes more than 2,000 artists, 800 events and 200 shows, from May 1 to 23.

It runs alongside Brighton Festival and is open to anyone putting on an arts event during the festival period. It covers open houses, exhibitions, comedy, theatre, music, literature, dance, film and tours of the city.

The fringe brochure has been redesigned.

Cartoonist Jon Link, of anarchic humour magazine Modern Toss, won the cover design competition.

His work will be on display as part of an open house exhibition at 8 West Hill Place, Brighton.

Closing date for applicants for the visual arts prize is April 16. The shortlist will be announced on April 28 and the winners on May 4.

Full details and an entry form will be sent out to all those who have registered.

For more information and application forms, contact Kristina Whitaker on visualartsprize@brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk Bookings for Brighton Festival Fringe can be made through Brighton Dome box office on 01273 709709.