The historic rooms where the Titanic was designed a century ago have been selected to host one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious art events.

The 127th Annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition will be held in the Titanic Drawing Offices of Harland and Wolff Shipyard, Belfast from September 19 to October 19.

The doors of the building will be opened to the public to view the work of leading and emerging local and international artists taking part in this year’s exhibition, which is sponsored by KPMG.

RUA President Rita Duffy said: “We are in the process of transforming the Titanic Drawing Offices into a major gallery for the 127th RUA Exhibition. This is our effort to foster a respect for the visual, and generate a really vibrant exhibition that engages and develops the important relationships needed to create enthusiastic patrons and participants in ambitious artistic projects.”

Jon D'Arcy, chairman of KPMG, said: “A vibrant arts sector contributes so much to making Northern Ireland an attractive place in which to live and work.

“We think the exhibition is providing an exciting opportunity for the public to come in and enjoy this amazing venue, as well as the wonderful art on display.”

The exhibition will include talks by artists such as Paul Seawright and Susan MacWilliam, as well as workshops for children, family days and screenings in association with the Northern Ireland Film Archive.