The first winners of a new award, sponsored by the Arts Council, for ‘Best Example of Integrating Artworks into a Building Project’, were announced at the annual Royal Society of Ulster Architects Design Awards ceremony at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast last night (8th May). Architects Robinson McIlwaine, working in collaboration with artists Stanley Murray Scott, Diane McCormick, James McKendry, and exhibition designer John McMillan, picked up the award for the artworks incorporated into the War Memorial Home Front Exhibition at the Museum at Talbot Street in Belfast. Special commendation also went to artists Laura O’Hagan and George Walsh and architect Eamon Hedderman for their project at the Holy Family Church in Belfast.
Announcing the award at last night’s ceremony, Arts Council Chief Executive Roisín McDonough, said, 'The Arts Council has enjoyed a strong partnership with the RSUA over the years, and we are delighted to now have this opportunity to sponsor an award which rewards the contribution of high quality artworks integrated into new building projects. Both organisations promote architectural excellence in Northern Ireland, and we must not underrate the importance of good collaborative practice and the benefits that working with professional artists can bring to architectural design teams.'