Hit The North 2023: An Inspiring International Street Art Festival in Belfast

May 2

Arriving in Belfast: Embracing the Unexpected

Being invited to participate in the Hit the North festival in Belfast was a dream come true for me. Participating in my first street art festival was an exhilarating experience that not only allowed me to showcase my skills alongside talented artists from all around the world but also made me feel deeply connected to the vibrant street art scene in a whole new way.

In this blog post, I'm excited to share the captivating experience and the lasting memories created during the festival.

Receiving a surprise late invitation to join the Hit the North festival in Belfast filled me with excitement. With only two weeks' notice, I quickly made arrangements to go, expecting to share a room with another artist. However, upon checking into the hotel, a surprise awaited. The organizers had kindly provided me with my own spacious room, which allowed my husband Iliocht and our son Gwyddion, to stay with me. It was an unexpected change of plan that not only saved them from multiple commutes to Bangor, a town on the outskirts of Belfast to stay with family there, as we had originally planned, but also allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Hit the North together.

After checking into the hotel, we headed down to Kent Street to see where I would be painting. I was happy to discover that the walls were already prepped and primed, with each artist's name clearly labelled. I sometimes feel overwhelmed and anxious arriving at new places but felt comforted that I would be painting in close proximity to some of my fellow Minaw collective sisters. As I approached the area, I saw that some of the artists were already working and had made good progress on their murals. Feeling inspired, I grabbed my paints and decided to make a start, even if it just meant doing a rough sketch. I didn't even bother changing into my painting clothes, and as a result, I got a little bit of paint on my dress. But the fun of getting started, made it worth it.

Immersed in the Festival: Welcomed with Hennessy and Vibrant Social Atmosphere

Hit the North truly embraced its artists, providing a warm welcome and creating a vibrant social atmosphere. The event was sponsored by Hennessy, and throughout the weekend, the artists were treated to refreshing Hennessy and ginger ale drinks. The festivities kicked off with an informal induction gathering at The John Hewitt pub on Donegall Street, where all the artists were welcomed into town. I received a welcome pack, complete with an awesome Hit the North sweatshirt and other goodies, setting the tone for an exciting weekend.

Painting Magic and Conjuring Luck: My Mural Journey at Hit the North Festival

With the festival in full swing, I eagerly resumed my painting early the next day. My mural was 12 x 8ft in size and centered around a charming symbol of luck and prosperity, the Maneki-neko, or lucky cat, a symbol I have been exploring recently in my Studio work. Nestled within a star-shaped glass jar, the Maneki-neko exuded an aura of kawaii positive energy. To symbolize wishes and dreams, I painted floating stars escaping from the jar, as if they were manifesting into reality. I was going to add a text but decided not to, but the text I was going to add still fits: “Those dreams you keep under glass, set them free to light your path.” I painted a large captivating face close up of one of my female characters adorning the mural with her dreamy gaze fixated on the enchanting scene before her. The color palette I carefully selected ahead of the event, blending harmonious shades of blue and purple to create a serene atmosphere. Soft pastel greens added a touch of tranquility to the background, while a radiant yellow glow emanated from the stars, infusing the mural with a sense of magical allure.

Seeing my artistic vision come to life on the wall is always a truly joyous experience. As I immersed myself in the creative process, a crowd of festival visitors gathered, curious and captivated by the evolving murals. The supportive energy was palpable as passersby stopped to watch and offer encouraging compliments. Their kind words fueled my artistic inspiration and filled me with a profound sense of gratitude. It was a humbling experience to witness the genuine connection between the art and the people around me.

Me and the finished mural: “Those dreams you keep under glass, set them free to light your path.”

Meeting Fellow Artists: Connections and Camaraderie

Hit the North was not only an opportunity for me to express myself artistically but also a chance to connect with fellow artists, including some of my Minaw Collective sisters who were also participating: Friz, Novice, Holly Pereira, Claire Prouvost, and Zippy. I was super happy to see Minaw’s Aru and Louise, who came along to support us and soak up the vibe. Some familiar faces from the Samhan Paint Jam in Belfast last November, like Wee Nuls and Hannah (HMC), were also painting, and it was wonderful to catch up with them. The weekend was filled with a creative energy and a sense of camaraderie that will be cherished.

The Legacy of Hit the North: Temporal Art, Perpetual Inspiration

More than 60 local and international street artists took part in the 10th ‘Hit The North’ this year, making it the biggest street art festival in the UK and Ireland.

One of the remarkable aspects of Hit the North is that the murals created during the festival are temporary, remaining on display for a year until the next year's festivities. It's a bittersweet notion, knowing that these incredible artworks will be painted over, making room for new art. However, it adds to the festival's allure, as each year brings fresh and captivating creations to the streets of Belfast.

A Night of Celebration and Artistic Connections: The Artists' Closing Party at the Black Box

After the block party, there was a private artists' closing party in the Black Box. It was the perfect way to wrap up the festivities and celebrate a decade of the Hit the North festival's 10-year birthday. It was a chance for all the artists to come together, celebrate their hard work, and bid farewell to another successful year of the festival. The venue was filled with an electric atmosphere, fuelled by music, laughter, and the shared camaraderie of creative minds.

As I arrived at the Black Box, I was greeted by the familiar sounds of a DJ spinning Hip-hop beats, and it didn't take long for me to find myself enjoying the lively ambiance. The organizers had thoughtfully arranged for a delicious dinner of paella rice, satisfying our hunger and adding to the festive spirit.

Amidst the celebration, I had the pleasure of meeting some inspiring artists who had left an indelible mark on the festival. One such artist was Annatomix who travelled from Birmingham who was working on a awe inspiring mural featuring a giant sitting fox on the side of a four-story building. Her unique style, characterized by geometric shapes captivated the imagination of everyone. I had the opportunity to chat with her, she kindly shared some of her creative journey and some advice about using scaffolding. Meeting Annatomix, an accomplished artist and like myself a mother, was truly inspiring as I know the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood and an artistic career. Her dedication and artistic achievements serve as a reminder to me that it is possible to pursue one's passion while nurturing a family.

Another remarkable artist I encountered was Elléna Lourens, who travelled from South Africa. Her huge artwork had strong block colours divided by minimalistic line work of two figures in a embrace, her art seeks to redefine emotional iconography. She was very friendly and lots of fun to be around; she was traveling with her friend Inca, who was also an artist. Inca gave me one of her holographic stickers, one of which featured the iconic caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. It was a delightful and unexpected gift that I cherished.

Elléna Lourens working on her piece near the Ormeau Rd.

The artists' closing party at the Black Box was a fitting end to an incredible festival experience. Surrounded by talented individuals, each with their unique artistic voice, I felt a sense of belonging and unity within the creative community.

Hit the North Festival: A Vibrant Tapestry of Artistic Expression and Lasting Inspiration

My experience at Hit the North festival in Belfast was nothing short of extraordinary. From the surprise late invitation to the warm welcome, everything fell into place, allowing me to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Painting my mural, meeting fellow artists, and witnessing the creation of incredible artworks made it a truly memorable weekend. Hit the North not only showcases artistic talent but also fosters connections and networks within the community. I am grateful to have been a part of this inspiring festival, and I eagerly await the next chapter of creative expression it brings.

The legacy of Hit the North lives on through the murals that grace the streets of Belfast, leaving an indelible mark on the city's artistic landscape. It's a testament to the power of art to captivate and inspire, and I feel privileged to have contributed to this vibrant tapestry of creativity. As I reflect on my time at Hit the North, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and perpetual inspiration for my artistic journey ahead.

Sending a special appreciation to the passionate souls of Seedhead Arts, @tulgalkh, @emicartist, @artist.zippy, @hmconstance and the rest of the HTN crew. Your unwavering dedication brought forth an extraordinary festival in Belfast.