Tag: British Council

International

Belfast Street Artists Bring Murals and Messages of Unity to Thailand

Tanisha Cardozo

Belfast’s vibrant street art scene is taking its talent global. Three artists from the Northern Irish capital—Zippy, Emic (Eoin McGinn), and Rob Hilken—are currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand, creating murals as part of an international sister event to the Hit the North Street Art Festival, one of the largest graffiti festivals in Ireland.

The new festival in Chiang Mai features live painting, workshops, and musical performances, all designed to celebrate creativity, foster cultural exchange, and explore themes like climate change, cultural identity, and connection through public art.

Zippy, who also serves as co-organiser of Hit the North, painted a mural of a swan in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Mai. The swan, inspired by the Hongsa Swan from Thai folklore, symbolises peace and purity. In Chiang Mai, her mural features centipedes—symbols of unity and protection in northern Thai mythology—alongside native flowers and human hands, reinforcing themes of resilience and connection.

Emic’s mural delves into identity and strength, developed in collaboration with Thai artists. Rob Hilken continues his “Spaghetti” series—looping abstract visuals inspired by motion and human interaction—on the walls of Chiang Mai.

The collaboration is part of a pilot exchange supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant. Adam Turkington, founder of Hit the North, is also in Thailand to give talks on the impact of street art festivals and their role in building creative communities.

Zippy said reconnecting with Thai artist Sanchi, who previously painted in Belfast, helped bring the initiative to life. “He’s really brought people together and made the whole exchange possible,” she said.

Since its founding in 2013, Hit the North has transformed Belfast with over 750 murals, shifting public perception of the city’s mural tradition from political to artistic. The evolution of the city’s street art culture now serves as inspiration for Chiang Mai, which is already rich in history, art, and folklore.

Zippy hopes the murals in Chiang Mai ignite long-term growth in the local street art movement. “What I love about street art is that it’s accessible—it belongs to everyone,” she said. “It’s amazing to think we might help spark something similar here in Chiang Mai.”

Spotlight

Goan Community Mourns the Loss of Alvaro Collaço

allycaralgoa

The Goan community in the UK came together to pay their respects to Alvaro Collaço, former chairman of the Goan Overseas Association (GOA) UK, who passed away on December 31, 2024. A memorial service was held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in South London, attended by relatives, friends, and community members.


Alvaro Collaço was a dedicated servant of the Goan community in the UK. Born in Jinja, Uganda, he studied in Goa and Poona before returning to Entebbe, Uganda, where he served in the government ministries for over 19 years. After moving to the UK in 1973, he worked as Company Secretary for the Technical Education and Training Organisation for Overseas Countries (TETOC) and later retired as Assistant Director of the British Council’s Educational Contracts Department.


Alvaro played an active role in the G.O.A. (UK) for many years, serving as Chairman of their Council of Management from 1983 to 1986. He was instrumental in acquiring the G.O.A. (UK) clubhouse in Beckenham and setting up the former Standing Conference of Goan Organisations (SCOGO), now known as the GOAN festival. He also served as Governor of the St Francis Xavier 6th Form College in Clapham.


Mervyn Maciel, a 95-year-old former Senior Civil Servant, remembered Alvaro with great affection, saying, “He had nothing but Goan blood flowing through his veins. He was passionate about doing things with the uplift of the community in mind.” Watford Borough Councillor Rabi Martins described Alvaro as “a gentle giant with wisdom, foresight, and determination.”


Alvaro Collaço’s legacy will live on through the Goan Association UK, which he helped shape and grow. His commitment to the community and his tireless efforts to promote Goan culture and heritage will be deeply missed. The Goan community in the UK will continue to celebrate his life and legacy, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.