Artist to capture Belfast spirit

By Colletta Smith

The winning design received more than 1,500 votes Enlarge Image

A new sculpture has been announced for the centre of Belfast.

The 'Spirit of Belfast' art piece came top in a huge public poll, winning almost half of 3,000 votes cast.

The sculpture is set to cost £200,000, and will complete the refurbishment of Arthur Square by June 2008.

New York artist Dan George said he was pleased ordinary people had chosen his work. "It is a way for them to begin to take ownership of the art," he said.

Announcing the winner, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said she believed public art can add interest to Belfast's streets and help create positive memories for visitors.

"I am confident that the winning sculpture will create a strong focus for Arthur Square and confirm its importance as a key public space within the city centre," she said.

An artist's impression of how the sculpture will look in the daytime

Mr George has already created three pieces of artwork in the Republic.

He said his aim was for the materials in this piece to reflect Belfast's history.

"I wanted the coloured lighting to reflect the texture and lightness of linen, while the metal reflects the strength and beauty of shipbuilding," he said.

The Arthur Square art piece is part of the £16m 'Belfast: Streets Ahead' improvement project which aims to make the centre of the city safe and welcoming.

Arthur Square, Cornmarket, will also be a major point of access to the new Victoria Square development.