Whitehead developed as a coastal community, situated on the northern side of Belfast Lough. The nearby towns of Carrickfergus and Larne have a long history as ports and coastal transport by boat from smaller harbours used to be important. Whitehead has a history of tourism based around walks and tours along the scenic coast and this is an area renowned for wildlife, which includes regular sitings of dolphin and harbour porpoise and, on sunny days, walkers along the footpath to Black Head lighthouse frequently notice lizards basking on rocks. This coastal and maritime heritage provided the inspiration for an environmental sculpture project entitled ‘Celebrating the Coast’.
The arts project, supported by GROW South Antrim, was launched in 2012. The artist Kevin Killen was selected and commissioned to create three metal sculptures: The Wind and The Birds Tree, Fish on a Wave with Shells, Dolphin Jumping. The sculptures, which will help to raise awareness of the importance of coastal wildlife and habitats, were installed in February 2013, and it is hoped that other artwork can be commissioned in the future to develop an environmental arts trail in the town.
