JCDecaux Ireland is a proud sponsor of one of the largest outdoor exhibitions ever to be delivered in Belfast. The exhibition features a trail of 26 art billboards containing artwork by local artists called ‘Art in the Eastside’ which celebrates the people, culture and history in this part of the city. It also formed the main visual arts highlight as part of the inaugural East Belfast Arts Festival in 2012.
The event was organised by the Creative Exchange, a non-profit making, visual arts studio group who aim to assist and develop up and coming artists in East Belfast. Speaking about some of the reasons why the project began, Ray Duncan, Chair of Creative Exchange said “The exciting art project was initiated by a desire to get our artwork seen by more people than those who go into a gallery. We wanted to make it accessible to everyone and what better way than to get it on the streets bringing it to people right on their own doorstep”.
Participating artists were asked to explore the various cultures that currently have an impact on the area. The Artists work was assessed on the following three criteria:
• Quality of artwork
• Relevance to East Belfast
• Suitability for Billboard production
Pictured at the Creative Exchange Art in the East Side project (from l-r) are Alderman Gavin Robinson, Lord Mayor; Suzanne Lyle, Arts Council NI; Superintendent Muir Clarke, PSNI; Naomi Long, MP; Neil Williams, JCDecaux Ireland.
Starting at Central Station, the billboard trail sees artworks displayed on a journey through the east-side of the city, along the Albertbridge, Newtownards, Cregagh and Castlereagh Roads. While those wishing to view the artworks all together will have a chance to view the original pieces in Portview Trade Centre from 6th- 16th September.