Successful arts partnership develop a new art trail

If you are out and about in Belfast this autumn keep a look out for the ‘Art in the City’ art trail. There are 12 sites located throughout the city – each site has a framed, high quality reproduction of an artwork from the Royal Ulster Academy of Art’s (RUA) Diploma Collection.

The project came about through a collaboration between the RUA and the sponsor of its Annual Exhibition, accountancy firm KPMG. KPMG wanted to develop a project aimed at getting staff involved in the sponsorship. The RUA wanted a vehicle to promote their Diploma Collection. The overarching aim - to reinforce that art is accessible to all and not just confined to galleries and museums.

Denise Ferran, President of the RUA commented: “The Diploma Collection is an important part of Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage. It is made up of 162 artworks, donated by every new member of the Academy since 1930. The art trail is a great way to raise awareness of the collection and promote the fact that members of the public can now view the collection at our premises.”

KPMG’s staff were involved in choosing the sites and the artworks. John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland said: “Art in the City added a new dimension to an already successful partnership with the RUA. It gave our staff the opportunity to take part in a creative project, learn more about the RUA as well as about art in general. We are very grateful to Arts & Business Northern Ireland for helping make this happen, as well as Belfast City Council and all the organisations and companies who gave permission to affix the artworks to their walls and railings”.

“This partnership is a perfect example of how working with the arts can create the perfect opportunity for staff engagement. This project is both creative and imaginative which is inspiring not only to the staff involved but extends to the general public who have the opportunity to view and enjoy the selected artwork until 1st December.” remarked: Mary Nagele, Chief Executive, Arts & Business NI

The project was made possible by funding provided by Arts & Business Northern Ireland and support from Belfast City Council.

Find out more: http://www.royalulsteracademy.org/education-events/art-in-the-city