Young people from Ballynafoy Close with the finished art work and artists.Ballynafoy Close Community Art Project
The Executive Office is promoting a programme of 10 Shared Neighbourhood social housing schemes under the ‘Together : Building United Community’ (TBUC) Strategy.
The TBUC strategy outlines a vision for a “a united community, based on equality of opportunity, the desirability of good relations and reconciliation – one which is strengthened by its diversity, where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced and were everyone can live, learn, work and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance”.
Apex’s housing scheme at Ballynafoy Close, Ravenhill Road is the first completed TBUC development in Northern Ireland. To celebrate its success and to promote the TBUC vision, Apex organised a community art project for the Ballynafoy young people.
The aim of the project was to create an eye-catching mural at the entrance to Ballynafoy designed by the young people that would capture the TBUC vision.
The process began with the young people spending two weeks with Alternatives NI youth workers doing team building activities, playing games, art activities and coming up with their own ‘kid friendly’ version of the TBUC strategy. They also visited Belfast City Hall and went on a bus tour of Belfast to see for themselves how Belfast is changing and becoming more diverse.
After the first two weeks the young people then worked with two local artists, Marian Noone and Tim McCarthy to create the design. The young people decided they wanted the mural to reflect ‘Play’ with different images of typical activities that they do with their friends such as reading, listening to music, talking, texting and having fun!
The young people then spent a full day designing the mural. They worked very hard and were involved in every step of the process. Each child designed and painted an image of their own home with their distinctive coloured doors and solar panels. People walking past commented on how good the artwork looked and the young people had a great day.
A further fun event is planned for Friday 5th August from 5pm to 7pm for all residents and will include a bouncy castle, face painting and sweet treats as well as tea and coffee. For more information please contact Community Involvement Coordinator Rachael Power on Telephone : 028 7130 4800
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