ARTS organisations have paid warm tributes following the death of an "inspirational" figure in Belfast's circus community.
Will Chamberlain, director and chief executive of the Belfast Community Circus School, died on Thursday.
The circus school said the father-of-two was a "wonderfully charismatic man".
"There is no doubt that Will, from arriving in Northern Ireland in the early 1990s, was a tremendous driving force behind the circus school and we would not be the envy of the world without his foresight, drive and ambition for us," he said.
"Will was also a wonderful friend to us all, inspiring us with his vision, drive and determination and his utter belief that we could achieve the dream.
"The work of the circus school cannot be overstated and the impact it continues to have on thousands of young people today.
"The world is a sadder place without him.
"He will be missed terribly, but the circus school will continue to pursue his dreams and work to make them a reality."
Mr Chamberlain, who previously worked as a professional clown and community circus teacher, was also described as "redoubtable, utterly unique and tirelessly passionate" by Art Matters NI.
"All of us in the arts deeply mourn his passing," it said.
Streetwise Community Circus said: "We share many members with Belfast Community Circus and are united in the belief that social circus has the power to change peoples lives in meaningful ways.
"Will has been instrumental in building on Mike Moloney’s vision and creating something much more than an organisation, and that is a community that we are all proud to be members of."
The Oh Yeah Music Centre said: "He was an absolute force of nature and an immense presence in the arts sector."
The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, which Mr Chamberlain chaired for several years, also said it was "utterly bereft" by his passing.
"Will was responsible for so much that was good about this city," it said.
