A new mural celebrating the value of the Belfast music scene has been unveiled at the Telegraph Building in Donegall Street.
It marks four years since Belfast became a UNESCO City of Music – still the only city on the island of Ireland to hold this title.
The colourful artwork, depicting different musical styles and genres, was created by artists Marian Noone, aka Friz, and Gerry Norman, and commissioned by Belfast City Council.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: “This mural really sums up the vibrancy and colour music brings to our city, whatever genre you’re into.
“Since we received our UNESCO designation in 2021, there’s been a phenomenal amount of work done with our local musicians, venues and industry professionals to support their development and creativity and to maximise this accolade for the benefit of all those who work with, and enjoy, live music.
“It’s fitting to see this mural completed during the Sound of Belfast Festival, which features events at 27 venues city-wide until November 16, and this week’s NI Music Prize event, celebrating the very best of our local artists.
“The addition of late-night buses to the city centre later this month will also provide another boost to our music scene, making travel to and from gigs more accessible and affordable, not just for music fans, but for those who work in the gig economy also.”
Friz, one of the artists behind the mural, said: “So much good music has come out of Belfast over the years. It’s great that this is recognised by UNESCO, so why not celebrate it?
“We had the design lined up from last year and myself and my husband Gerry worked on the mural for 16 days. It was a challenging wall, a real labour of love, as the scale is massive, but it’s been a very rewarding project and a topic we’re both passionate about.”
The artwork is also the latest initiative in the council’s Music Matters programme, which has seen £400,000 invested into the local music scene in the last year.
A sustainability toolkit for the music sector will soon be launched on the Music Connections website musicconnections.com.
