An organiser of Belfast’s annual street festival has told how the weekend-long event has helped reduce crime and bring “more vibrancy” to neglected parts of the city.
The Hit the North Street Art Festival organised by Seedhead Arts and backed by Belfast One was established over a decade ago as part of rejuvenation efforts in the North Street area of Belfast.
Speaking to The Irish News, Belfast One’s marketing, communications, and events manager Callum Craig says in addition to adding vibrancy to the city, commissioned street art can also have a “massive social impact.”
“We’ve noticed that since starting the festival there’s been a reduction in anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism,” he explained.
“I think 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. It’s accessible.”
This year’s festival includes several new additions of public art across Belfast city centre alongside a collection of smaller new works, a series of street art walking tours, bus tours, beginner classes and workshops and music.
This year will also see the introduction of first-of-its-kind street art conference ‘The Other Place’ which will provide a platform for businesses to better understand how street art can have a positive impact on urban areas.
“It’s really important that local businesses, stakeholders, politicians – everyone really, sees the benefits that street art can have,” added Mr Craig.
“Since the festival started, it’s brought hundreds of artists from across the world, who have done work in places like the Middle East and southern Africa to do art here in Belfast which is just amazing.
“Belfast One has been a part of the event for the past couple of years now and it really does help to regenerate areas and establish a sense of safety and pride.”
Artists taking part in Hit the North this year include Hera, Taxis, Ajax Piper, My Dog Sighs, Slim Safont, Jo Caslin, Jack Lack, Ona Salvador, Philth, Roo, Sky High, Asbestos, Danleo, Ed Hicks, Fesa, Friz, Holly Pereia, KVLR and Wee Nuls.
“I know I’m biased, but I always look forward to seeing what our local artists come up with because the local talent here is just class.
“What these artists are doing for the city is an amazing thing, but celebrating art in general is so important, whether that’s street art, music or dance, because as someone said to me earlier, a city without artwork is dead.”
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