Northern Ireland

Belfast a canvas for some of the world's best street artists

A giant squirrel painted on the side of the Irish News building in Donegall Street, created by Belgian artist R.O.A. Picture by Hugh Russell
A giant squirrel painted on the side of the Irish News building in Donegall Street, created by Belgian artist R.O.A. Picture by Hugh Russell A giant squirrel painted on the side of the Irish News building in Donegall Street, created by Belgian artist R.O.A. Picture by Hugh Russell
By Paul Ainsworth

EYE-popping art has residents and visitors stopping in their tracks across parts of Belfast as some of the most acclaimed street artists in the world have used the city centre as a canvas.

The work has appeared as part of the recent Hit the North Street Art Festival, which showcases imagery from global artists, turning buildings into backdrops for incredible creations.

Among the works to appear is a giant squirrel on the side of the outgoing Irish News office in Donegall Street, painted by Belgian artist R.O.A.

Hit the North's Adam Turkington said organisers were thrilled to have secured R.O.A as one of the creatives for this year's festival.

Belfast recently hosted the Hit the North Street Art Festival, with global artists creating works across the city centre. Picture by Hugh Russell
Belfast recently hosted the Hit the North Street Art Festival, with global artists creating works across the city centre. Picture by Hugh Russell Belfast recently hosted the Hit the North Street Art Festival, with global artists creating works across the city centre. Picture by Hugh Russell

His work has appeared in cities all over the world, including Amsterdam, New York and Mexico City, and as with all steet artists in the movement, their style originates in 1970s Brooklyn.

"It's a really big deal to have an R.O.A, as he's one of the biggest and most admired street artists in the world," Mr Turkington said.

"We have also been lucky to have many other wonderful artists for this year's line-up, with work appearing across the Cathedral Quarter and also parts of the Linen Quarter.

The street art movement has its origins in New York's Brooklyn area in the 1970s. Picture by Hugh Russell
The street art movement has its origins in New York's Brooklyn area in the 1970s. Picture by Hugh Russell The street art movement has its origins in New York's Brooklyn area in the 1970s. Picture by Hugh Russell

"This is the biggest street art festival to have taken place anywhere in the UK and Ireland this year, following the news that Upfest in Bristol was taking a break for 2023.

"We have visitors from as far away as Florida coming to check out the amazing work, and we are grateful to all of our artists for coming and gifting us with their creations."

Belgian's R.O.A creating the huge Donegall Street squirrel. Picture by Hugh Russell
Belgian's R.O.A creating the huge Donegall Street squirrel. Picture by Hugh Russell Belgian's R.O.A creating the huge Donegall Street squirrel. Picture by Hugh Russell