Exciting opportunities for artists in Belfast - 17-07-2008

An opportunity for local artists to design a large-scale sculpture in Belfast has just been announced.

Belfast City Council and its project partners are holding a competition for the commission of a flagship piece of public art in the city. This large-scale piece will be situated at Broadway roundabout, at the heart of one of Northern Ireland`s busiest roads.

Artists can submit an expression of interest to be considered for this project by submitting a CV, images of previous work and ideas for approaching the public art piece.

Full details are available from our website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tenders.

Up to six artists will be short-listed in early September 2008 who will have the opportunity to create maquettes of their proposal and present them to an expert panel in October 2008.

A competition was previously held in 2005 for Broadway when artist Ed Carpenter won with the Trillian sculpture. The escalating cost of steel has unfortunately meant that Trillian is no longer viable within the available budget of £400,000. The current economic climate is also having an effect with increasing costs for all raw materials.

Councillor Bob Stoker outlined the value of the public art to the area: "Along with improvements to housing and plans to increase employment, this will contribute to the regeneration of the area," he said.

A steering panel will be set up with representatives from community organisations as well as the partner organisations.

This will be the largest scale public art project in Belfast and is an opportunity to use art and creativity where everyone can enjoy it. Many cities such as Glasgow and Barcelona have a strong emphasis on public art which helps to regenerate the city for local people and tourists.

Councillor Bernie Kelly explained the possibilities which the competition is providing: "This new landmark piece of public art will symbolise the cultural confidence of Belfast and we hope it will become a positive symbol for the city for years to come," she added.

The key project partners and funders which Belfast City Council is working with on the public art project are the Department for Social Development (DSD), the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Roads Service.

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