Translink & Seedhead Arts
The Context
Translink is the public corporation providing public transport in Northern Ireland encompassing NI Railways, Ulsterbus, Goldliner, Metro and Glider.
Seedhead Arts want to help change Belfast, NI and the world through “street art, cabaret, magic, philosophy, politics, training, shouting about stuff and whatever else creative stuff you got.”
The Challenge & The Solution
This partnership aimed to harness the power of street art to revitalise public spaces, with a specific focus on enhancing safety and community engagement at Translink's York Street Station underpass between York Street and Sailortown. The underpass was an unloved space, it was dark and attracted anti-social behaviour. Although it is the main thoroughfare between these two areas, the general public have shared they do not feel safe using it. Having been tasked by local politicians to improve the safety of the underpass, Translink decided to utilise street art as a transformative tool to revitalise the underpass at York Street Station and bridge the gap between York St and Sailortown. Translink were inspired by Seedhead's Hit the North street art festival which exemplifies a community-centred approach, emphasising engagement and activation. By leveraging street art—a new artistic avenue for Translink—alongside Seedhead's expertise, the project engaged with the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their surroundings.
Following an introduction by Arts & Business NI, Translink commissioned Seedhead to create a new street art mural on the underpass, delivered as part of a paint jam. Additional Investment Programme funding from Arts & Business NI enabled community engagement, community art activation and extension of the mural on to the ceiling of the underpass; these aspects were designed to address the sense of a curated rather than an abandoned space.
The Results
Seedhead commissioned 15 street artists from across Northern Ireland to participate in a paint jam over two days in August 24 who used street art, graffiti art and poetry to transform the underpass at York Street Station that the community had previously said looked dark and dangerous.
The artistic vision for the underpass included murals focused on 'City' and 'Country' themes, celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities connected by public transport.
Local poet Niamh McNally engaged with the local community through a series of workshops before writing a poem ‘Line Work’ which was painted on the roof of the underpass.
Through workshops, art demonstrations, and interactive sessions, a diverse range of community groups were engaged in the artistic process, promoting inclusivity and partnership while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the project.
The partners enhanced aesthetics, created wayfinding, improved safety and ensured the underpass became a welcoming and secure space for all.
“This project felt genuinely seminal. To have both Translink and DFI leaning into using graffiti as a means to achieve corporate aims, feels like uncharted water. It’s incredibly exciting and we can’t wait to work more with them.
Adam Turkington, Seedhead Arts
This transformation, shaped by extensive community engagement, revitalised the underpass enhancing safety, reducing anti-social behaviour, and augmenting both its aesthetic appeal and wayfinding through vibrant street art. We’ve listened to residents and local leaders and have collaborated closely with the Department for Infrastructure, who own the underpass, and who are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space that reflects the vibrant and diverse spirit of North Belfast.
Michael Holmes, Translink Programme Manager
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