BREATHTAKING SYMBOL OF REGENERATION TO RISE UP OVER BROADWAY

10 October 2005

A breathtaking new symbol of regeneration and renewal is set to dominate the skyline over Belfast`s Broadway Roundabout.

With a working title of “Trillian”, the 45-metre tall wild flower is set to become Belfast`s latest landmark upon its scheduled completion in 2008.

This unique and highly ambitious proposed art work by Californian artist, Ed Carpenter, has been chosen for Belfast following an intensely competitive public art commission, which attracted massive worldwide interest from almost 400 artists.

Ed Carpenter specializes in large-scale public installations. Innovation in architectural art and pioneering lighting design are fundamental to his work and these qualities will be exemplified to devastating effect in the Broadway installation. After dark, Belfast`s new landmark will be visible for miles around as it is transformed into a striking illuminated beacon, while rays of light will be projected beyond the tips of its leaves and into the night sky.

Describing his proposed landmark for Broadway, Ed Carpenter said he wanted to create ”an optimistic, monumental icon, routed in the site, unique to Belfast, visible night and day from as far as possible, bold and unforgettable, durable and easy to maintain.”

He continued: “The delicacy of nature and the strength of human resolve are simultaneously suggested in graceful lines and robust steel. Perched and leaning, Trillian suggests life in the balance.”

The main structure will be made of polycarbonate, backed with steel trusses. The art work will be supported by reinforced steel cables and sit on a pyramidal base made from concrete or pre-cast on steel.

Councillor Bernie Kelly, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Arts Sub-Committee said: “This new landmark for Broadway will create a unique identity in this area of renewal and regeneration and engender a real sense of ownership. It will also help to create a cultural legacy for the future and enhance the profile of our creative industries, artists and craftspeople.”

The Broadway roundabout installation will complement plans to develop the M1/Westlink corridor - one of Northern Ireland`s busiest arterial routes. The M1 Motorway will be linked to the Westlink with a new underpass to ease traffic congestion at the Broadway Roundabout.

The standard of submissions for the Broadway public art commission was extremely high. Seven artists were shortlisted from more than 100 assessed expressions of interest. The final proposals were assessed on their quality, innovation, creativity and suitability for the site and their potential to become a landmark feature. Shortlisted artists were required to demonstrate their ability to engage with the surrounding communities in developing the art work.

This major public art commission for Belfast represents an excellent model for team working and cooperation across public sector departments. The commissioning phase for the project was led by Belfast City Council while the production and installation phase will be principally funded by Department for Social Development in partnership with Department for Regional Development Road Service and the Arts Council.

The proposed landmark is subject to official confirmation of funding from the installation phase partners.

Ed Carpenter is an internationally renowned artist who has been responsible for many major international public art installations which include: Florida`s Orlando Tower; the Fishbird Bridge in Portland, Oregon; the Power Station Sculpture in the Isle of Man; Broadway Gateway in Denver, Colorado; Springstar, Santa Fe Springs in California; the City Hall Plaza in Florida; Phoenix, Arizona`s Grasshopper Bridge and his Dream Leaves installation at University of Hawaii`s School of Medicine.

ENDS

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