Street Art Highlighting Services For The Elderly In Ballymena

New street art installations in Ballymena are expected to breathe new life into the town centre, while highlighting the services on offer for elderly people in the borough.

Two projects, supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Ballymena BID (Business Improvement District), will see Bryan Street and William Street benefit from new murals.

Artist and so-called "aerosol genius" Eoin McGinn is creating a piece to raise awareness of the Good Morning Ballymena centre - a free, friendly telephone services for senior citizens who feel lonely or in need of regular conversation.

Eoin has created a mural which displays a young hand holding that of an older person, intertwined with sound waves of a recorded telephone conversation. He is known for creating artwork in Larne's Main Street and many buildings in Belfast, including the city's Cathedral Quarter.

The next fortnight will also see street artists Laura Nelson and Leo Boyd transform Bryan Street into a mythical wonderland designed by local school children.

Rosalind Lowry from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Arts Service said: "These pieces of art really will transform these spaces in the town centre. We're so lucky to have such great artists helping us add some colour to the high street and it will also offer the perfect backdrop for snaps for the gram to show off your visit to the town.

"These projects are part of a wider Arts Programme called Opening Doors, funded by Arts Council NI, where six local organisations work with us to create new art, so watch this space for more exciting stuff coming up!"

Kathleen McBride, the BID Manger added: "The Ballymena BID welcomes community outdoor artworks. It's great to see creativity along with an element of fun integrated into the town. Such initiatives add real colour and creates a vibrant ambience to the town centre while also enhancing the streetscapes."



(JG/MH)