Belfast’s Linen Quarter is boasting some colourful new street art thanks to a Council-backed project to give utility boxes in the area a makeover.
Artist Danni Simpson has begun work on the second phase of Belfast Canvas, a Belfast City Council project, supported by the Department for the Communities and Virgin Media, which own some of the cabinets.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl said: “I love how this project is bringing such colour and energy to the city. Belfast is becoming increasingly renowned for its street art, and I’m delighted that council has been able to support and showcase the work of our amazing local artists.
“Coming at this time also, as people are back enjoying city centre life again, brings a real sense of vibrancy and optimism for the city. The first phase of the project was such a success, it’s great to see it extending to the Linen Quarter which just recently launched a fantastic new parklet. Belfast Canvas is yet another example of how open spaces can be transformed to support our Bolder Vision for the city, as we rethink how we use our city centre spaces, particularly in a post-Covid world.”
The public art initiative was borne out of the council’s cultural strategy, A City Imagining, which sets a vision for 2035 that imagines a culturally vibrant city.
Danni is the first of six artists to be commissioned for phase two of Belfast Canvas, with more makeovers planned across the city centre. Storage boxes in Bank Square have also been given a pop of colour by local artist Rob Hilken as part of the ongoing project.
Speaking about her inspiration for the Linen Quarter artwork, Danni said: “I wanted to create something that was positive and uplifting, but also offered a bright and colourful nod to the local phrases such as ‘it’ll be grand’ and ‘wee geg’.”
The well-known Belfast phrases have been set against bright floral backdrops, injecting pops of colour throughout the streets.
Find out more about our public art projects at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/public-art