Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art student, Katye Louise Richardson has officially been announced as the winner of the Translink and Belfast School of Art’s public art competition, with their stunning proposal set to be permanently displayed at York Street Station, which opened in Spring 2024.
The competition, launched earlier this year, invited second-year fine art students from the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University to create a piece of public art that reflects themes of connectivity, growth, and community – values central to both Translink’s vision and the university’s mission.
The winning piece will be brought to life at York Street Station in Spring 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the station as it continues to serve not just as a vital transport hub, but as a centre for artistic expression and community engagement. York Street Station, which serves over ¾ of a million passengers annually, has already become known as the “student station,” offering easy access for the many students and staff who commute to Ulster University daily.
The competition received a high calibre of submissions, saw students engage deeply with the themes of connectivity and regeneration, making the decision a difficult one for the judging panel. The passion and creativity demonstrated by all the students were exceptional, showcasing the strength of Belfast’s emerging talent.
This year marks a momentous occasion for the Belfast School of Art as it celebrates its 175th anniversary. Over nearly two centuries, the school has nurtured generations of creative talent, making significant contributions to Belfast’s rich artistic and cultural landscape. This milestone highlights the school’s legacy of excellence and innovation while focusing on the exciting opportunities available to emerging artists in Northern Ireland.
Michael Holmes, Programme Manager at Translink, said:
“We are proud to partner with the Belfast School of Art to bring this inspiring competition to life. York Street Station is more than just a transport hub – it’s a space for the community to connect, engage, and be inspired. Through this collaboration, we are not only enhancing the station’s aesthetic but also providing a meaningful opportunity for up-and-coming artists to make a lasting impact. The quality of the submissions was outstanding, and we are excited to see Katye Louise Richardson vision come to life at the station.”
Brian Dixon, Head of the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, said:
“This competition has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to contribute to a prominent public space, and we are incredibly proud of the creativity and dedication they have shown particularly during 175th anniversary year of the Belfast School of Art. York Street Station, as part of the ongoing regeneration of Belfast, is the perfect backdrop for their work. The partnership with Translink has allowed our students to engage directly with the community and be part of something truly special. We congratulate Katye Louise Richardson on their outstanding proposal and look forward to seeing it displayed in such an important space.”
Katye Louise Richardson the winner of the competition, expressed their excitement:
“I am thrilled to have my work chosen for such an incredible project. It’s amazing to know that my art will be displayed at a place that so many people pass through every day and has been such a focal part of my life. The opportunity to be part of York Street Station’s transformation and its role in the community is something I am truly proud of. I can’t wait to see the piece come to life in Spring 2025!”
The partnership between Translink and the Belfast School of Art highlights the importance of fostering opportunities for emerging artists and giving them the chance to engage with real-world projects that have a lasting impact. This collaboration has provided a platform for students to showcase their work to the public, allowing them to be part of the vibrant and growing cultural landscape of Belfast.
York Street Station, which has already engaged with over 2,000 members of the local community during its construction and operational opening, continues to serve as a key part of Belfast’s regeneration. With its new features, including improved accessibility, sustainable design, and a modernized station environment, it has become more than just a transport hub – it is a community centre, a place where people come together, and a focal point for further investment in the area.
The installation of the winning artwork will further solidify York Street Station’s role as a space where culture, community, and transport meet, creating a lasting legacy of artistic collaboration in the heart of Belfast.
Learn more about the Belfast School of Art 175 celebrations and programme of events, including exhibitions, workshops and lectures - The 175 Programme - Belfast School of Art
Shorlisted Students
The judges shortlisted the following five student entries before unanimously agreeing on Katye-Louise’s submission.
- Katye Louise Richardson
- Maaike Schipper
- Ben Smith
- Jodie Lavery
- Elizabeth Brannigan