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| New Mural on the Newtownards Road |
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The re-imaging project supported by the Belfast City Council has changed the face of murals and gable walls across Belfast. By engaging with local community stakeholders (eg: organizations, politicians, and residents) artists, either from the area itself or at least with the blessings of the local community, begin their work drafting up a new piece of work, promoting hope, history, and culture. This project is working to help the 'new Belfast' envision itself as such and portray itself as such.
Other projects have been ongoing prior to the formalized re-imaging project to develop new ideas around community art, remove hateful or sectarian imagery, and promote community action. They have been largely successful.
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| New Mural on the Newtownards Road |
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In East Belfast there are a number of said murals. There are images of the Titanic, WWII, famous footballers like Georgie Best and famous football moments that are engrained in the hearts and minds of the community for years to come. However, there are some murals that are just as important and historical for East Belfast that cannot be covered up, 'lest we forget'. Most notably these images can be seen at 'Freedom Corner' at the bottom of the Newtownards Road, and scattered throughout this section of Belfast across the river.
From previous research I've done on walls and murals, people have told me these images become the mundane everyday decoration of the community, that they cease to be seen. Unfortunately, as a newcomer I see these images everyday and they are very much noticeable everyday I walk beside them, or see an open-top bus driving tourists beside them, or when the news has footage of violence occurring beside them.
However, for the resident who may cease to see the images of yester-years, there is something new to redirect attention to the sentiment. Two new murals of masked gunmen with words describing the human right to defend when attacked. When they first went up there was cause for concern, brief debate in the newspapers, and a bit of discussion around what they may mean.
I wish I wrote when my feelings were fresh, about my concern. I printed out the newspapers articles off the internet to keep them for further reflection. I went and photographed them on my walk home one afternoon. However, I failed to see what was to come in the next few weeks.
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| Re-imaged Mural on the Lower-Newtownards Road beside 'Freedom Corner',
became filming location for media at the June 20-22 Riots in East
Belfast 2011 |
