Elaine MansfieldA graffiti-plagued Belfast street entrance has been given an artistic makeover thanks to a number of local young budding artists.
The entrance to Maryville Street in Donegall Pass had its new mural unveiled as part of a regeneration initiative led by local businesses.
Residents had called for an effort to brighten up the space, that had previously been hit by vandalism and graffiti – and a number of local children, led by artist Carla Hodgson, answered that call.
Ms Hodgson, who led the project by holding a series of workshops with local children aged six to nine, said the young people were the project’s driving force.
“They’ve really put their heart and soul into it, it’s definitely more than just paint, it’s about them, it’s about where they’re from,” she said.
“It means more to the community, it’s made by them, it’s about them and it’s from their hearts.”
The children involved in the project helped design and paint the mural, adding personal touches like butterflies, flowers, clouds and rainbows.
Ms Hodgson held workshops with the children, leading to the mural’s design and then returned with them to paint it – a project that took four weeks in total.
Chris McCracken, managing director at the Linen Quarter Business Improvement District which provided funding towards the mural, said the project came from conversations with local residents, reflecting a diverse group of people.
He explained that the initiative was part of a strategy to work with communities on small, practical improvements to their areas.
Mr McCracken said the mural was an example of businesses and local residents working together and that future efforts could look at areas like employment or health.
Amy Kelly, a lifelong resident of Donegall Pass, said the mural had given local children including her daughter a sense of involvement and pride in their neighbourhood.
“It’s something my daughter can walk past now and know that it’s something she did,” she said.
“I think it’s great that all the children in the community got involved.”
She said the area had sometimes felt overlooked during redevelopment efforts.
“For a while this community has felt left out of certain things and felt like we were being left behind.
“There’s not much for our local community as a whole or our younger generation.”
Peter McDonald, regeneration officer with the Donegall Pass Forum, said the artwork was one of several “quick win” schemes aimed at improving the look and feel of neglected spaces in the area.
He said the images in the mural captured the ideas and interests of the children, many of whom contributed drawings of butterflies, unicorns and birds.
Plans are under way for a further project involving older children and teenagers.
