Links That Connect Us, July 2002 Waterfront Hall Belfast
Collaboration & Exhibition between 10 Artists & 10 Young People

‘Links That Connect Us’

From the 28th June until the 8th August 2002, the GBN project N.I. with partners Castlereagh Borough Council’ Community Relations Programme’, brought together professional artists from America, Southern Ireland, Northern Ireland and selected 10 talented young people (15-19yrs) from East Belfast.

The project aimed to improve community relations in Castlereagh and Greater East Belfast area by using high quality art as a creative outlet for the shared experiences of whose lives have been affected by the troubles.

It was a creative interactive process that represented all sections of the community, bringing together bluegrass & green grass roots.

The base for the creation of the artworks was at Castlereagh College Art Department. The participants were divided into five groups of 4 (1 American artist, 1 N.I. artist and 2 Young people). Each team had a selection of materials and had access to a wide range of equipment and technology (full media suite). The teams then worked collaboratively from 1st-5th July to create five large-scale sculptural Installations that culminated into a successful innovative exhibition at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast that ran from the 8th – 29th July.

Throughout the visit the project participants were given a range of cultural visits and tours that included: A guided Tour of parliament buildings at Stormont. A Trip to the North Coast, including ‘Giants Causeway’ & Carriagh-A-Reid Rope Bridge. 1st July Band Parade in East Belfast. A guided historic tour to Glenarm & Social evenings including special guests ‘Different Drums’. This was programmed to give a taste of the life, cultural and hospitality of ‘East Belfast’ to inspire the both the artists & the work.

Due to tight time constraints the project was unable to attain full funding and had to work from a reduced budget. This required flexibility and some of the costs had to be incurred by the artists, such as travel and contribution towards accommodation. Also many of the partners contributed ‘In Kind’. The project survived due to the strength of partners involved.

GBN Project N.I. Developed and co-ordinated project
Castlereagh Borough Council Co-managed and Funders
‘Community Relations Programme’
Castlereagh College Art Department Project Location
SEELB Selection of Young people
Creative Exchange Studio Group
Waterfront Hall ‘Links’ Exhibition Venue
Trace Contemporary Art American Artists Exhibition Venue
Clandeboye House Hotel Subsidised Accommodation
Project co-ordinators Deirdre Robb & William Coulter
Publicity & marketing Emily Walsh
College Liaison officer Patricia Vallely
Artists Ian Fleming, Deirdre Robb, Ray Duncan, Colin Davis, Maura O’Rourke, Marty Walsh, Suzanne Mitchell, Tom Pfannerstill, C.J.Presma, Susan Gorsen
Young People Andrew Higgins, James Robb, Lawrence Fry, Maria Robb,

Outcomes

The project created a positive representation of the experiences of those involved, from Castlereagh, East Belfast, Southern Ireland and Kentucky.
Throughout the duration of the project we shared our experiences both artistically and culturally.
Provided a ‘Live’ professional experience for young talented people interested in a future career in the Visual Arts.
Created five contemporary artworks that were exhibited in a high profile venue that was accessible to the general public.
Created an awareness of the Visual Arts in Castlereagh & East Belfast Area.
Expanded on previous relationships formed. This is the second phase of the GBN project. The fist took place in April 2002, when six Irish artists travelled from the North and South of Ireland to Kentucky to work with American artists and young people.
Alongside the ‘Links’ project, the American artist had a contemporary exhibition of their own works titled ‘Star Spangled Colour’ In ‘Trace Gallery’ Belfast from 4th July-15th August.
The project generated strong Media interest, including: Broadcast interviews on UTV Live, Radio Ulster & Belfast Telegraph. Also there were several reports and reviews in local newspapers.
The project proved to be a unique and thoroughly inspirational experience for all those involved.