Baltic opened in 2002 in the former four mill

Sculptor Logie Evans-Teush said Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead is all about money and not about local art or the community.

He said more work from local artists should be shown.

But Baltic Director Stephen Snoddy rejected the claims and said the centre was not designed purely for local art.

Baltic opened in July 2002 on the south bank of the River Tyne.

Broad remit

Mr Evans-Teush said the building was very beautiful on the outside but said the design was "very clinical - not a curve in it".

He has produced a sculpture, currently on display at Cruddas Park shopping centre, which he plans to leave in the doorway to Baltic.

He said: "If it's allowed, I will put it in the doorway to explain art is for everybody and not just for people with money or status or a BA Honours."

But Mr Snoddy dismissed the remarks and said the work of Tyneside artists Jane and Louise Wilson were part of the opening exhibition.

He said: "Baltic's remit is regional, national and international.

"People from abroad come to Newcastle particularly to come to Baltic. If people out there think we haven't shown artists from our region they are mistaken."