Belfast art scene and more....

....the cultural experience continues.

Several major things happened over this week the first was that Derry got City of Culture.:Well done to them. I heard that there are banjos singers on the streets having a shin dig. Sounds like good fun, I will hopefully make it up there for some cultural delights. Transbelfast is going strong with more happening around the City including hanging laturns and hanging gardens coming from "out of place" gallery (on the same street as the 02 shop on Corn Market).

One of UrbanLanders images was featured in the Irish News as part of the article on Terri Hooley :"Punk Godfather could bring good vibes to the city hall". Five minutes of photoshop can go along way.

I was walking home the other day through the holylands at 1am. Bad mistake, a load of people were throwing glass at a wall across the street. They then starting shouting at me when I walked past. Too many Canterbury bottoms about for my liking. I could have taken on 3 of them on but not all 6 of them. Stuff I missed this week includes the Moochin's exhibition at the waterfront. Would have been a good night with all the work being free to take. I never got a chance to go to Ashleigh Manor either for some fun. Im now on Twitter @Urbanlander

Transbelfast 2010 and other artistic endeavours’....

Transbelfast has definitely hit the streets! It was only this morning that I saw a Plant Parade hitting the streets of Belfast. It was like something out of Inception. The movable garden was by Janis Steadman - she had also run workshops over the past week. I heard later in the day that 'the movable garden' finished off in a secret garden in the middle of "The station" gallery (not much of a secret). I hope to check it out this week -If that building ever gets opened!

The opening night of Pii Anttila went well with some interesting situations happening in the gallery and with some interesting job prospects . That's what happens when you give your number to anyone in Belfast. The office is down at Ps2 gallery and worth a check out.

The big event this weekend was Base: International Street Art and Music Festival at St Anne's Square. A lot of graffiti going on and some sweet beats. I missed the first band but Panama Kings and The Amazing Few I got to see. It was the first time I heard these bands and was definitely worth the free entrance fee. The amount of people at the event was small which was probably due to the earlier rain. The Eventsec staff seemed relaxed but looked weather beaten due to the previous weeks Oxygen antics (Stab proof vests optional).

I really liked Graham Dews (See Above) simple layering technique. Awe- inspiring. Other graffiti artists included RedMonk, Dog Boy and Bad Seed (see above for Image).

The usual Belfast artisan types were wandering around the event,wearing ladies leather Jackets and shades, and the guys wearing beards and heavy rimmed classes. (See Left). Fun Times.

The event continues tomorrow (Sunday) with music, Black books and magic in the City. Why do people try and convert me in the street? Do they think I need saved?

The art continues....

"Out of Place" on Castle Lane: Review

I was at the "Out of Place" launch on Castle Lane, Belfast. Dan Thompson who was one of the first to start the Empty Shops Network in England talked about how important it is for empty buildings to be taken over and used by creative people. His English accent, tweed jacket and large glasses reminded me of the Wayne Hemingway (a Uni of Ulster favorite).

It was exciting to here Dan speak on something which seems complicated and hard to undertake but it is probably his job to make it seem that way! Launchers of the event were bosom buddies Sammy Wilson and Lord Mayor Pat Convery. They both spoke of how using empty shops and buildings can help bring back the city to life. It would be good to hear of unused building being taken over by artists etc. A friend in Germany said this is normal practice particularly in areas that used to be East Germany. It is good to see Belfast is stepping up there game.

I remember a few years ago writing to a property owner about using there unused building for an art project but nothing ever came of it. Bad Times.

The food served after was really good with it being supplied by Bagelbagel. Good Times.