WORLD-renowned artists will descend on Reading Prison as its doors are opened to the public for the first time in its history.

The project from Artangel will see the Victorian jail play host to a series of exhibitions alongside performances and readings by leading writers and actors.

Much of the work is based on the prison's most famous inmate Oscar Wilde as is to be brought to life by names including Ralph Fiennes, Patti Smith, Colm Tóibín and Ben Whishaw.

Readings and performances of the Irish playwright's poem De Profundis - written as a love letter to Lord Alfred Douglas - are set to take place each Sunday within the walls of the jail it was written in more than 100 years ago.

James Lingwood and Michael Morris, co-directors of Artangel, said: "We are excited to be opening up Reading Prison with such a remarkable range of artists, writers and performers responding to the imposing Victorian architecture and the continuing resonance of De Profundis, written by Wilde in his cell as Prisoner C.3.3. Inside – Artists and Writers in Reading Prison will offer the public an opportunity to reflect, in a particularly powerful place, on the implications for the individual when separated from society by the state.

"It's also a great opportunity for Artangel to work with key cultural partners on the first phase of Reading International, a new three-year arts initiative led by the University of Reading."

The exhibition, titled Inside - Artists and Writers in Reading Prison, will run from September 4 until October 30 and will also feature artworks based on the prison's history and architecture.

To ensure the days run smoothly volunteers are being sought to help direct visitors from the train station.

Nigel Horton-Baker on behalf of Reading UK CIC and Reading Year of Culture said: "The combination of an internationally-recognised arts organisation, Artangel, taking over a key piece of Reading’s heritage, Reading Prison, provides a real opportunity to showcase our town and put Reading on the UK’s cultural map.

"We want to harness the enthusiasm of passionate volunteers to ensure Reading makes the most of this opportunity. We want ‘Inside’ visitors to see more of Reading, to understand what makes the town tick, meet its people and in particular experience our great cultural, heritage and leisure offer.

"If you have a passion for Reading you could share with visitors and can spare some time this autumn, we’d love to hear from you."

For more details on how to become a volunteer for the project see online at www.rgneeds.me