'Spirit of Belfast' launched as city centre landmark

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today launched a new public art sculpture, the ‘Spirit of Belfast’, at Cornmarket, Arthur Square.

The sculpture, chosen by the public and created by New York artist Dan George, replaces the old bandstand.

Unveiling the seven metre high sculpture, Margaret Ritchie said: “The ‘Spirit of Belfast’ is a new iconic landmark for our capital city. It is a symbol of a bright future, a symbol of a shared future in the heart of our city.

"Once where a tired and decaying band stand greeted shoppers, it is now been transformed into a colourful sphere of light and prosperity for the enjoyment of tourists, shoppers and the people of Belfast.”

The centrepiece in Cornmarket, part of the Department for Social Development's investment in transforming the streetscape there and in wider city centre areas, will be home to the new public art piece.

Margaret Ritchie continued saying: “Public art has a key role to play by providing attractive landmarks and contributing to positive memories of Belfast for visitors. I hope that the ‘Spirit of Belfast’ will become as popular a focal point as the ‘Big Fish’ at Laganside and the Ring of Thanksgiving at Thanksgiving Square in Belfast.”

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."

Also speaking at the launch, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Naomi Long MLA, added: "Our aim is to make the city centre safe and welcoming for visitors, local people and investors. Public artwork is one way to achieve that aim by providing an attractive and interesting environment. This contemporary landmark artwork celebrates what Belfast has to offer as well as integrating the city’s future with its past."

The President of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, John Moore, who also was at the event stated: "Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce is delighted to see the installation of the Spirit of Belfast and congratulates the Minister on her continued investment in Belfast city centre. The Minister is truly leaving a legacy for the city."

Notes to editors:

1. DSD commenced the procurement process to commission an artist for the Arthur Square artwork in June 2007. Following open competition, the work of three artists were shortlisted by a panel. The proposals of these artists were put to the public vote and ‘The Spirit of Belfast’ was selected with 46.6% of votes cast.
2. The ‘Spirit of Belfast’ artist, Dan George, is from New York and his public projects span 30 years. He has worked with a variety of public authorities in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and in Ireland on the M7 Kildare, the M25 Wexford and Tobin Street, Cork.
3. The cost of the ‘Spirit of Belfast’ sculpture is £180,000.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07669 715 440 and your call will be returned.