Painting the Future: Contemporary Street Art in Belfast

Belfast is a city known for its boundaries; a city that is bisected by miles of ‘peace walls’ marking its cultural and historical divisions. Walls and historic sectarian murals are constant reminders that neighborly violence may be just around the corner. Though known for these historic divisions and the public art that visualizes them, recently, local efforts are turning Belfast’s public spaces into thriving centers for connection, community, and cultural activity. As the city continues with its peace efforts, Belfast City Council, community organizations, and local businesses rely on artists to facilitate shared spaces with painted walls serving as the anchor for revitalization.

This presentation focuses on two Belfast arts organizations, Daisy Chain Incorporated and Seedhead Arts, and examines how they have reimagined the use of painted walls in the city. With their focus on creative placemaking, deeply researched artist briefs, and an emphasis on artistic freedom, these two organizations are charting a new path for public art in Belfast. They support artists who work with communities on either side of the sectarian divide and are uniquely placed to tackle issues of shared spaces and conflicting narratives. Once used to intimidate, mark territory, and express religious and political conflict amongst neighbors, painted walls are now the hallmark of a thriving modern city. As the city is conditioned to put its identity, culture and heritage on the walls, contemporary artists are using the language of painted walls to visualize hope for the future.