An opportunity for local artists to design a large-scale sculpture in Belfast has been unveiled.

Belfast City Council and its project partners are holding a competition for the commission of a flagship piece of public art in the city.

This large-scale piece will be situated at the Broadway roundabout, at the heart of one of Northern Ireland's busiest roads, the West Link.

Artists can express interest to be considered for the project by submitting a CV, images of previous work and ideas for approaching the public art piece to the council.

Up to six artists will be short-listed in early September.

They will have the opportunity to create maquettes of their proposal and present them to an expert panel in October 2008.

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A competition was previously held in 2005 for Broadway when artist Ed Carpenter won with the Trillian sculpture.

The escalating cost of steel has meant that Trillian is no longer viable within the available budget of £400,000.

The current economic climate is also having an effect with increasing costs for all raw materials.

Councillor Bob Stoker, outlining the value of the public art to the area, said: "Along with improvements to housing and plans to increase employment, this will contribute to the regeneration of the area."

A steering panel will be set up with representatives from community organisations as well as the partner bodies.

This will be the largest scale public art project in Belfast, and the council has described it "as an opportunity to use art and creativity where everyone can enjoy it".

Many cities such as Glasgow and Barcelona have a strong emphasis on public art, which, according to Belfast council, helps to regenerate the city for local people and tourists.

Councillor Bernie Kelly explained the possibilities that the competition is providing: "This new landmark piece of public art will symbolise the cultural confidence of Belfast and we hope it will become a positive symbol for the city for years to come."

The Council's key project partners and funders for the public art project are the Department for Social Development, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Roads Service.

(PR)