Round 2 of Artist EOIs - Closes 16th February

With the initial expressions of interest matched up, we’re excited to let you know that the remaining sites are available to apply for now!

See webpage for more details/link

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Public Engagement Sessions have now Concluded!

Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by our 4 library sessions to have a chat - we loved your positivity and you had some great thoughts on design themes. Here’s a summary of the session outcomes:

Common Themes

Colour and Brightness: There was a strong overall desire for the designs to be "bright," "colourful," and "bold" to cheer people up, attract attention, and generally brighten up the towns, as the existing boxes are not attractive.
Local Relevance/Environment: Many participants wanted the designs to reflect the local environment, surroundings, history, and wildlife of their specific area.
General Positive Sentiment: The initiative was overwhelmingly supported as a "great idea," "great initiative," and a way to make the area "a lot better."

Specific Preferences by Town

Comber

Nature/Wildlife: Strong preference for wildlife designs inspired by the local river and woods so children can connect what they see on the cabinets with their environment.
Design Style: Designs were described as "very considered," "great," and "perfectly in tune with the sites." The local community partnership expressed approval.

Holywood

Quirky/Bright vs. Traditional: A preference for "quirky bright" designs over traditional ones, as traditional designs might "blend too much."
Seaside/History: Strong suggestions for themes related to the seaside, history of the area, ice cream, and "holiday vibes."
Colour Debate: While many preferred "bold and bright" colours, there was a minority preference for "more muted colours," fearing bright ones could be "really garish" in more traditional streets.
Art/Culture: One shop owner suggested an "arty one" like Van Gogh or Michaelangelo's David hands.

N’Ards (Newtownards)

Local History/Landmarks: Suggestions included the Town Hall, the Cattle Market (including the smell), the cart with teacups, Lee Jeans & Crepe Weavers & Bobbins (local businesses/industry).
Nature: Ideas for flowers (Tulips, Daisies), colour birds (herons, brent geese), and general wildlife.
Whimsical/Abstract: Also mentioned were Aliens, Dogs, a Disco, a Bookshelf, and Sunset Skies.

Bangor

Nature/Local Features: Suggestions focused on Beaches, Bridges, Sunset Colours, Celtic Stones (under Bangor Grammar), and Celtic Colours & Celtic Trees.
Process: One person asked how to apply to paint a box.

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We are incredibly excited to launch the Creative Cabinets project, funded by Ards & North Down Borough Council.

Commissioning local artists, this project will transform 20 of Ards & North Down’s utilities cabinets in to vibrant works of art for all to enjoy.

Similar to celebrated projects in other Council areas, this street art initiative will showcase arts & heritage, upskill local artists and provide volunteering opportunities.

Public engagement sessions will be held on 7th & 8th January in Holywood, Bangor, Comber and Newtownards, see details below.

Expressions of interest are now open for artists, closing 5th January. A peer training day will help you to brush up on street art techniquest & materials, health & safety, working with volunteers as well as project details.

A support crew of volunteers is also being recruited - help the artists set up, look after the site, chat to the public and take a few snaps.

Local to one of the boxes? Why not put yourself down as a Cabinet Guardian? Check in on the box now and then, let us know of any graffiti/damage, take pride in your local creativity.

visit the project page for all details

Have you spotted any boxes in Bangor already? These 3 have been in place for a while now following previous initiatives/artist activity