The five street art pieces, collectively named “Up the Cregagh, Down the Woodstock” have been erected on the Cregagh and Woodstock Road.
Over 140 primary school pupils from the area contributed to the designs of the new murals.
‘Down the Woodstock’ mural on Belfast’s Woodstock Road
Local artists Ruth Bothwell and Alison Pascoe ran a series of community engagement workshops with pupils from Harding Memorial Integrated Primary and Euston Street Primary.
“As many of these pupils live and play in the area, they were able to contribute a unique perspective of what it means to grow up in a diverse urban community and they created their own vibrant, joyful street art,” Alison said.
The primary school pupils’ ideas informed the artistic brief which was shared as an open call to individual street artists and arts organisations, generating huge interest from some of the UK and Ireland’s top street artists.
The murals are part of a community-led street art project funded by Belfast City Council’s Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme and Department for Communities’ Revitalisation Programme.
Mural above Paragon, Cregagh Road by Zippy, located on a site marking the point where the Woodstock meets the Cregagh Road.
The project’s completion coincides with Belfast 2024 – the city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration.
Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair hopes the new street art encourages more people to come visit the Creagagh and Woodstock Road.
“It’s wonderful to see these vibrant, engaging artworks adding colour and interest to the Cregagh and Woodstock Road.
“It’s such a busy arterial route, connecting the natural oasis of Loop River, The Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny with the urban landscape of the Albert Bridge junction heading into Belfast city centre – so it’s really special to see that energy and nature reflected in this new street art. As well as encouraging greater pride in this area, I think it’s also going to attract lots more footfall and spend,” she said.
Lead funding applicant and local business owner, Phill Coulter is pleased with how the project turned out.
Mural by FGB & Katriona Sweeney at Gordons Chemist – a fun and colourful interpretation of some of the area’s social and musical heritage – combining themes of local breakdancers in the 80s with popular tea dances enjoyed by our older generation.
“You can already feel the positivity these artworks have brought to ‘The Road’ – they’re getting such a welcome reaction from residents, local businesses, and visitors alike. It’s a credit to the strong community spirit of the Cregagh and Woodstock Road.
“The project has been community-led from start to finish and that’s something the project team are all really proud of.”