Contemporary Art Collection On Display In Belfast

A special exhibition from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's contemporary art collection has opened in Belfast.

Housed at Craft NI on Royal Avenue, the display reflects the breadth, diversity and talent of Northern Ireland.

Selected works feature in the exhibition which came about as part of the Arts Council's Art Lending Scheme, a free initiative open to curators, galleries, and organisations interested in putting works on public display.

Senior Curator of Art at National Museums NI and Craft Board Member Kim Mawhinney curated the works, which will be available to view until 17 January.

The exhibition shows work from nineteen contemporary local designers and makers using a range of materials and techniques including beautiful silver pieces, porcelain sculptures, detailed embroidery and flowing glass. There promises to be something for everyone, as the selection includes a range of emerging and established Northern Ireland artists dealing with topics such as grief, identity and the role of technology.

Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI said: "We are so pleased to have been able to benefit from the Arts Council's Art Lending Scheme to make these beautiful and stimulating works available for audiences to see and learn about. It's a great way to open our new combined exhibition, retail and gallery space in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter."

Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: "We are delighted to have works from the Collection exhibited at Craft NI's new premises in the heart of Belfast city centre. Many of the artists represented in the Collection have major national and international reputations and by offering the collection for public display, we are helping to showcase the work of our artists and to introduce the public to Northern Ireland's wealth of creative talent. I would encourage everyone to go along and see this exhibition at Craft NI which promises to be an impressive mix of emerging and established artists."

A sneak peek of the collection can be viewed in the video below:



Opening times for the exhibition can be viewed online.



(JG/CM)