Belfast: Streets Ahead Artwork

Good examples of public art can add interest and bring focus to streets and give people a pride in their city The Belfast Streets Ahead Project will include new art pieces which will complement the new streetscape.

It will bring unique and attractive works of art to the city which can be enjoyed by local people and visitors.

The size and type of art works will be chosen to make the public areas even more attractive.The key locations identified are:

The first piece of public art to be installed as part of the Department’s investment in transforming the city’s streetscape was unveiled by the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, on the 24th September 2009 at Arthur Square.

The ‘Spirit of Belfast’ is a new iconic landmark for Belfast city centre. It was chosen by public vote and was created by New York artist Dan George.

The seven metre high sculpture is composed of four curved stainless steel structural elements includes lighting and is installed on a granite plinth base.

The New York artist Dan George said: "The ‘Spirit of Belfast’ is the manifestation of our energy as we look to the future as well as a meditation on our past. It is a timepiece that weaves together the strength of steel and the delicacy of light, ocean liners and linen, progress and peace”.

Fountain Street in Belfast will be the site for an innovative new piece of public art called ‘The Magic Jug’ The concept design is of a water jug carved from a solid piece of Black Shanxi granite holding a triskelion made from polished aluminium. This represents the three ancient fountains of Fountain Street. On top of this will sit a kingfisher made to symbolise peace, abundance and love. The concept is based upon an antique Irish water jug from around the 1700s and historically is a symbol of water, life and abundance.

The Magic Jug is part of DSD’s Belfast: Streets Ahead regeneration project, who have commissioned the artist Joss Smith to design and build this unique piece of pubic art. Installation of the Magic Jug is scheduled for the autumn of 2010.

 

As part of the revitalisation of Donegall Place new feature masts will be installed. These masts will be designed to fit with the character of the area and will be an integral part of the design for Donegall Place.