Young Artists Redesign Bus to Inspire Climate Action in Northern Ireland

A group of young artists from across Northern Ireland has transformed their creative visions into reality with a new bus design unveiled at Belfast Grand Central Station. The project, part of the inaugural Brand A Bus Competition hosted by Translink, showcased the artistic talents of eight selected participants whose designs were combined to create a striking double-decker bus.

The unveiling event marked a significant milestone for the young artists, allowing them to see their winning designs come to life on a larger scale. Each artist received an art pack as a prize, aimed at encouraging their continued creativity. Additionally, they participated in an illustration workshop led by local artist and competition judge Rory Quigg.

During the event, Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, expressed enthusiasm for the competition’s success. He noted, “The response to our first ever ‘Brand A Bus’ competition has been fantastic. For over 1,000 young people from all corners of Northern Ireland to have taken part is quite an achievement.” Conway emphasized that the campaign highlights how younger generations view the world with optimism and ambition, particularly regarding climate change. He believes the bus will serve as a visual reminder of these hopeful perspectives as it traverses local routes.

Quigg praised the high standard of entries, stating, “The imagination and talent shown by these young people was inspiring.” He highlighted the significance of having their work displayed on a public bus, which will reach thousands of people across Northern Ireland. Quigg hopes that this visibility will motivate the artists to pursue their ideas further and inspire others to take action against climate change.

Translink launched the Brand A Bus Competition to spark children’s imaginations about a sustainable future for Northern Ireland. The initiative encourages increased use of public transport while aligning with the goals outlined in Translink’s Climate Positive Strategy. The campaign received entries from six regions, showcasing a diverse range of creative expressions focused on environmental themes.

As the newly designed bus begins its journey on local roads, it symbolizes not just the artistic talent of Northern Ireland’s youth, but also a collective commitment to a more sustainable future. The competition and its outcomes serve as a reminder of the role creativity can play in addressing pressing global challenges like climate change.