Belfast’s vibrant street scene is coming alive once again as the annual Hit the North Street Art Festival takes place, an initiative that has significantly contributed to the revitalisation of neglected areas in the city. Organised by Seedhead Arts and supported by Belfast One, the festival, which has been running for over a decade, aims to enhance community spirit and reduce crime through the proliferation of street art in the North Street region.
Callum Craig, the marketing, communications, and events manager for Belfast One, shared insights on the festival’s impact during an interview with The Irish News. "We’ve noticed that since starting the festival there’s been a reduction in anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism," he said, highlighting the positive changes observed in the local community. He also noted the unique accessibility of street art: "Whenever you see any piece of art, but particularly street art, the skill, time and effort put in by the artists is massively impressive and I think it resonates with people."
This year’s festival highlights include various new public art installations across Belfast city centre, alongside a collection of smaller works, guided street art walking tours, bus tours, as well as classes and workshops for beginners. A fresh addition to the festival is "The Other Place," a street art conference aimed at providing a platform for businesses to comprehend the beneficial impacts of street art on urban settings.
Mr Craig emphasized the importance of engagement from various stakeholders in the community. "It’s really important that local businesses, stakeholders, politicians – everyone really, sees the benefits that street art can have," he remarked. The festival has become a magnet for artists from across the globe, who have showcased their talents in various parts of the world prior to bringing their work to Belfast.
Artists participating in this year’s festival include notable names such as Hera, Taxis, Ajax Piper, My Dog Sighs, Slim Safont, Jo Caslin, and many others. Mr Craig expressed his enthusiasm for the local artistry, stating, "I always look forward to seeing what our local artists come up with because the local talent here is just class."
Ultimately, the Hit the North Street Art Festival represents more than just a celebration of creativity; it serves as a catalyst for urban regeneration, fostering a renewed sense of safety and pride within the community. "What these artists are doing for the city is an amazing thing," Mr Craig concluded, emphasising the intrinsic value of artistic expression in urban life.
Source: Noah Wire Services