“I think people should be screaming about this place…”  - that’s how the creator of an innovative new art project, which aims to capture the spirit of Belfast, feels about the city…

‘We are Belfast’ is an online wall made up of people’s favourite images of the city, which will then become a feature at an art exhibition in June.  Around 150 pictures have already been uploaded to the mosaic and those behind the initiative are keen that lots more people contribute.

“We thought it would be cool to create a gallery space to celebrate Belfast - and what we like is that everyone’s image is equal, ” explains David Capener.  He’s the man behind the vision and the pastor of Redeemer Central Church in Belfast.

“I love Belfast,” says David, originally from London.  “It’s home for me and it’s such a unique and creative place to be.  It’s a real word of mouth city and I love that.”

From iconic Belfast landmarks, to children at play, to a group of fire artists, to an image of someone’s toes - it seems this ‘wall’ is taking on an eclectic life of its own.  So what images stand out for David?  “People talk about Belfast as home and so for me it is about people - and the images of people stand out for me - especially the picture of my own kids!

And so these images will be collated by artist Hannah Wilson who will create a feature at an art exhibition at the Red Barn gallery on 7th-9th June.  It’s the hope of those from Redeemer Central Church that through this initiative people will figure out or be reminded why there’s much to love about Belfast.

“I think there’s a real potency with these images - they’re quite evocative,” David enthuses.  I mean this really is one of the best cities in the world…so let’s celebrate that.”

Check out the project so far on http://www.wearebelfast.com/