Belfast's Divis Tower gets permanent artwork collection

12 October 2009 -

Art lovers now have another reason to travel to Belfast, as a collection of artwork will be permanently displayed in the Divis Tower residential block.

A series of paintings of residents created for the Belfast Festival at Queens in 2001 will now be constant attractions in Northern Ireland's capital, after being unveiled at a ceremony attended by the minister for social development, Margaret Ritchie.

The images are entitled Drawing the Blinds and mark the final piece of refurbishment in the building.

"It gives me great pleasure to see the Drawing the Blinds collection find a permanent home in Divis Tower. I believe that art can make a real contribution to the living conditions of residents," Ms Ritchie said.

Later this month, Belfast will celebrate the European Day of Languages, hosting events including the annual Opportunity Europe Fair and Exhibition, which is designed to advertise it as a multicultural city that attracts tourists from all corners of the globe.