Belfast Grand Central Station Becomes a Platform for Emerging Talent

Translink and Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art have celebrated outstanding emerging student talent at Belfast Grand Central Station with the announcement of the winners of the Belfast Grand Central Station × Belfast School of Art Student Public Art Competition.

For nearly two weeks, thousands of passengers have viewed the students’ work on display in Belfast Grand Central Station, turning one of Northern Ireland’s busiest integrated transport hubs into a vibrant public gallery. A further three shortlisted runners-up were acknowledged at the celebration event, each receiving a Translink goodie bag for their achievement. 

The winning students unanimously chosen by the judging panel were announced as: 

• Awarded Commission - Joyful Journeys– Hollie Massey 
• Awarded Commission (Highly Commended)- Linnets in Linen – Anna Warwick 

Their artwork will now be created for installation within the station, reinforcing Translink’s commitment to enhancing Belfast Grand Central Station as not only a transport hub but a destination where creativity, culture and communities meet. 

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway praised the collaboration: “Belfast Grand Central Station is one of Northern Ireland’s flagship public spaces - and this partnership with Belfast School of Art, at Ulster University shows how transport can connect people through culture as well as travel. It’s inspiring to see emerging artists bring fresh perspectives into our station. Congratulations to all the students involved.” 

Head of Belfast School of Art, Brian Dixon, emphasised the importance of real-world opportunities: “This initiative embodies Ulster University’s People, Place and Partnership strategy. Exhibiting artwork in such a high-profile public environment gives students invaluable experience and the chance to engage with a genuine, diverse audience. We are delighted to continue this partnership with Translink and extremely proud of every student who took part.” 

The Belfast Grand Central Station Belfast Grand Central Station × Belfast School of Art partnership continues to strengthen Translink’s Better.Connected strategy, positioning Belfast Grand Central Station as a cultural, civic and commercial destination where creativity and community thrive. 

The winning two students will now create the commissioned pieces of art, and it will be installed in Belfast Grand Central in late Spring 2026. 

Translink and Ulster University extend sincere thanks to the judging panel for their time, expertise and thoughtful consideration. The panel of 10 included three guest judges, 

• Dr Katy Radford MBE, Director, Office of Identity and Cultural Expression 
• Holly Foskett, Arts Programme Manager, Arts & Business NI 
• Ed Reynolds, Translink Artist in Residence 

Alongside representatives from Translink, Ulster University and Belfast School of Art. 

All judges congratulated every student who entered, noting the exceptionally high standard of creativity, presentation and artistic ambition. They shared that selecting only two overall winners was both exciting and challenging due to the professionalism demonstrated across all submissions. 

The exhibition remains open to all at Belfast Grand Central Station until Friday 12 December 2025 — celebrating creativity at the heart of the city.