If Walls Could Talk

The If Walls Could Talk Project  was started in 2005 with art skilling workshops being delivered to a number of community groups in the Greater Shankill area. The aim of the project is to transform the peace wall at Cupar Way into one of the longest outdoor art galleries in the world; raise the skills of the Shankill community in art practice and appreciation and to raise debate on the existence of peace walls in Belfast.

These walls have been in place for over 40 years separating Protestant and Catholic Communities. In 2009 three artworks were installed on the wall funded by Arts Council NI, a further four will be installed in autumn 2010. The brief for all artwork must include significant community involvement and a means of installation that will allow the art to be relocated when the time comes for the wall to be dismantled.

The funders for the 2010 artworks are Belfast City Council Creative Legacies Programme; Belfast City Council Development and Outreach; Arts Council NI Re- imaging programme and Belfast City Council Community Festivals Programme.