New floating pavilion ‘DRIFT’ brings sonic art, cinema, stargazing and more to the River Lagan

(Credit - Elyse Kennedy Photographer)

Belfast's Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Andrew McCormick has officially launched 'DRIFT', a new art installation on the River Lagan commissioned by Belfast 2024.

A collaboration between OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, DRIFT is a temporary floating pavilion where people can come to enjoy the multi-sensory experience of being on the water. DRIFT will be open until Sunday September 15 at Stranmillis Weir, with the next location to be announced on Belfast 2024 and DRIFT social media channels.

The Belfast 2024 project aims to draw attention to the vital role that the river plays in the life of the city, and through drawing people onto the water, the team hopes to uncover ways that this better connection between people and their river might create opportunities for the people and wildlife who rely on it. Using a variety of recording techniques that pick up sounds usually out of hearing range, Meireles will reveal aspects of the River Lagan that usually go unnoticed.

Visitors to the DRIFT pavilion can experience Meireles' work at any time on the structure using individual headsets, or by attending one of three Listening Sessions hosted on the DRIFT space. A series of activities are programmed for the pavilion, including talks about the river ecosystem, arts, writing and plant identification workshops, stargazing, a ‘floating cinema’, yoga, and music.

Speaking at Friday evening's launch event, Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew McCormick said: "DRIFT is the perfect response to our Belfast 2024 themes of people, place and planet during our biggest ever city-wide celebration of creativity. This brand-new outdoor spectacle and experience will help to make the River Lagan more accessible to people and give them an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this natural asset to our city.

“Thanks to the creativity of OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoy the DRIFT space and the programme of events, whether that’s learning about the river ecosystem, trying a yoga workshop, watching a movie, listening to music, or simply stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty around us.”

DRIFT aims to challenge Belfast’s relationship to its waterfront, presenting the River Lagan as a vital public space and habitat. It will also delve into the potential for more wildlife-friendly urban places to be made available along its edge. Engaging with the river’s historical significance and cultural identity, DRIFT will map and reveal significant parts of the Lagan, inviting people and communities to share what is important for them about the river. It is hoped that by sparking people’s curiosity and interest in the Lagan, the project can start a transformative public conversation about the potential of a more accessible river, and how the Lagan’s ecosystem can benefit from a better connection between the city and its waterway.    

DRIFT is open to the general public 10am-6pm at Stranmillis Weir until September 15, excluding times when workshops are taking place; check the schedule on www.oguarchitects.com/work/drift - (Link opens in new window).