Hollywood Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep is visiting the North today to support an attempt raise funds for the Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) an arts centre in the heart of the city's Cathedral Quarter.
"I'm proud to come to Belfast to celebrate this city's commitment to Omac and its great good work," she said.
"Sometimes it is easy to despair in the face of world events. It can feel like divisiveness and the urge to destroy has won the day. "That's why the Omac project is a cause for celebration and a template for hope."
The New Jersey-born actress will host a dinner and answer questions from local actors. She starred in films including The French Lieutenant's Woman, Clint Eastwood's screen adaptation of The Bridges Of Madison County and a remake of The Manchurian Candidate.
One onlooker said: "She looked very Hollywood, you can tell when people hold themselves like that. "She was not put out by the shouting, she took it all in her stride."
A winner of two Academy Awards, a Bafta and six Golden Globes, she is the most nominated actor in Academy Award history. Arts campaigners want to build a £16.5 million facility in the heart of Belfast, which has experienced economic regeneration since the political power-sharing was restored last May.
They have been given the land by government regeneration company Laganside Corporation and only have to raise another £1.5 million to meet their target. The new venue will include a 300-400 seat and a 120-seat theatre, art galleries, dance studios, rehearsal spaces and education rooms.
It will also have a bar and restaurant. The Arts Council sponsoring group and the British government have already contributed much of the investment. The arts centre is one of North's leading performing and visual arts venues.