12 women artists transform Belfast’s College Court ahead of International Women’s Day

Date: 07 Mar 2023

Category: City regeneration and development

If you’ve passed College Court in Belfast since the weekend, you’ll have seen a magical transformation ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March.

It’s thanks to the work of 12 women artists as part of a Belfast City Council project, funded by the Department for Communities and linked to the Future City Centre Programme and A Bolder Vision for Belfast.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee Councillor Ryan Murphy explains: “This artwork has been completed as part of our revitalisation project, which is all about improving the appearance of several Belfast city centre streets - increasing footfall; helping to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour and enhancing safety perceptions through painting, lighting, greenery  and new artwork. We’re also working on Callender Street, College Street, Upper Arthur Street and Patterson’s Place.

“The artists were briefed and inspired by the area’s history, with street names in this part of Belfast highlighting the significance of education in an ambitious and outward-looking developing city. In the Age of Enlightenment, modernising and democratising education underpinned the spread of new scientific and philosophical ideas that challenged accepted ways of thinking.

“The improvements in education produced a larger and more diverse reading public, increasing demand for printed material across a broad span of social classes and interests. R.Carswell & Son, founded in 1890 a purpose-built warehouse on College Street, was one of the many printworks, stationers and binders in Belfast. The artists have done an incredible job of adding colour and vibrancy in this area through their creativity and I look forward to seeing people enjoying the area’s new look and feel.”

Patrick Anderson from the Department for Communities explains: “As well as providing a platform for the artists ahead of International Women’s Day, this project adds a splash of colour and creativity to this part of Belfast. Individually, these pieces are diverse and thought-provoking. Collectively, they are a positive addition to the urban landscape which really enhances the area. This initiative uses art in conjunction with the range of other improvements to the streetscape to make the city a better place for residents and visitors alike.”

The artists were:

• Holly Pereira, Singaporean-Irish illustrator and muralist based in Dublin
• Claire Prouvost, a French visual artist based in Dublin
• Alana Mc Dowell, Belfast born illustrator and graphic designer working predominantly between Belfast, Barcelona and London
• Marian Noone, AKA Friz, Sligo born artist based in Bangor
• Kerrie Hanna who often works in collaboration and in community arts
• Zippy Reynolds, a Belfast / London based Visual Artist
• Danni Simpson, an Australian artist who has showcased her art in cities all over the globe
• Katriona Designs, freelance graphic designer and illustrator whose work is inspired by her love of nostalgia and Donegal
• Emmalene Blake, based in Dublin, who has painted at events such as Electric Picnic, Dublin Fringe Festival, Baboró International Festival and Hit The North Festival, Belfast
• Laura Nelson a sign painter based at Belfast’s Vault Artist Studios
• Jess Tobin Dublin illustrator and street art muralist AKA Novice
• HM Constance Hannah’s artwork mainly focuses on the endangerment of animals, various cultural aspects and spiritual growth.

For more information on A Bolder Vision, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/boldervision

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