The Church of Ireland
News Briefing

A new mural is to be created on the Woodvale Road this week. Teams of local young people will be working with artists from the New Belfast Community Arts Initiative to paint part of the hoarding around St Matthew’s Parish Church, which is being renovated. Three local voluntary groups are joining in the work: Greater Shankill Alternatives, FASA (Forum and Action on Substance Abuse), and The Rock Community Centre. The builder working on the church has donated the paint. The project is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Working with the groups themselves, the artists have put together a lively and imaginative design reflecting their images of life on the Shankill, their dreams and aspirations. The mural weaves themes around cars, dance, and the choices which teenagers face every day.

Speaking about the mural, the Revd Gregory Dunstan, rector of St Matthew’s, said, “Hoardings are dull. We wanted to do something to brighten it. More important, we would like the young people to feel that they have contributed to the project. We’re delighted with the initiative and enthusiasm of the groups taking part.”

Further information from:

The Revd Gregory Dunstan
Tel/Fax: 028 9071 4325