Cathedral Buildings Art Installation

Following the devastating fire in Cathedral Buildings in October 2022, and the subsequent erection of scaffolding expected to be in-place for several years, Cathedral Quarter BID made a call for proposals to attach artwork to the hoarding.

The listed building sits on lower Donegall Street, beside Writers’ Square and opposite St Anne’s (Belfast) Cathedral. It is at a key entry point to Cathedral Quarter and the wider City. It became synonymous with the Arts, hosting unique businesses from design to clothing.

A panel of BID Directors selected the proposal from Form Native, a former resident of the building. Paul Kelly, Design Director, said: ‘We wanted to tell a story about a very personal loss and link that to a very positive attitude – how we can put things back, better.’

Paul’s proposal was to include sketches realised from charcoal reclaimed from the building. Each sketch, as detailed below, depicts an item which represents the former tenants of the building, from a camera to a needle and violin.

Launching the project after installation, BID Director Rachel McMillan said: ‘After the devastating fire in the Cathedral Building’s last year, it’s so encouraging to see some vibrancy and life brought back to the area with this wonderful art installation.’

‘By focusing so creatively on what was lost and celebrating those businesses who were based in the Cathedral Buildings, we can look forward to the future knowing that this historic building will be restored and brought back even better and more beautiful than before.’