Public will choose symbolic art piece for Arthur Square - 22 October 2007
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today invited the public to choose which one of three art pieces will become a new landmark at Arthur Square in the centre of Belfast.
The Minister said: “Belfast City Centre suffered dreadfully during the 30 years of conflict. We are now seeing transformation and regeneration on a massive scale. We have an opportunity to put a sculpture in Arthur Square that symbolises this change for the better.
“The three short listed concepts are: ‘Dancing Tree’, ‘Phoenix Rising’ and ‘Spirit of Belfast’. All three are compelling and inspirational sculptures designed to celebrate the renewal of the city centre. I encourage the public to cast their vote.
“I hope that the winning sculpture will encourage people to meet and linger in the city centre and contribute to positive memories of Belfast for visitors. The people of Belfast deserve a city centre on a par with other leading European cities. Good public art can add interest and focus to our streets and give people a pride in their city. Belfast already has some good examples of public art such as the sculpture at Thanksgiving Square at Laganside.”
The Arthur Square art piece is part of the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ streetscape improvement project which aims to make the centre of the city safe and welcoming for visitors, local people and investors. Phase One of the programme involves renewing 13 streets at a cost of £16m. The construction work started in June this year and Phase One will be completed by May 2009. Renewal of Arthur Square is to be completed by June 2008.
Notes to Editors:
1. DSD commenced the procurement process to commission an artist for the Arthur Square artwork in June 07. The method of selection is as follows:
- following the publication of a Design Contest Notice in the Official Journal of the EU an initial short list of 8 artists were selected by the Public Art Selection Jury, appointed by DSD, from a response of approximately 20 applicants;
- the short-listed artists were invited to develop concept sketch designs; and,
- the Public Art Selection Jury met on 10 October 07 to consider the concepts and selected a final shortlist of three concepts to be put forward to the public vote.
2. The Selection Panel was made up from representatives from the following organisations:
Department for Social Development
Belfast City Council
Planning Service
MDUK (Victoria Square developers)
EDAW; (Belfast Streets Ahead design team)
Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce
Arts Council NI
Royal Society of Ulster Architects.
3. The public have the opportunity to view the designs that made the final shortlist and cast their vote. This can be done through the ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ website www.belfaststreetsaheadni.gov.uk or by visiting the public exhibition at the Lagan Lookout. The vote will be open from October 22 and close on November 4 2007. The Lagan Lookout will be open from 11.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 11.00am – 2.00pm on Saturday.
4. A budget of £200,000 has been allocated for the sculptural piece for Arthur Square.
5. The anonymity of the artists has been retained throughout to ensure the impartiality of the Selection Jury.
6. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07669 715 440 and your call will be returned.
7. To view larger pictures of the artists work please visit our Arthur Square Artwork Competition high resolution pictures page.
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