1 week Ago
The 9ft in Common: A Manifesto for the Alleyways is a research project exploring the potential of the city’s alleyways for play, growth, and connection Aisling Rusk, of Studio Idir, is one of the 12 volunteers tasked with walking the alleys to hide the precious hag stones. A citywide treasure hunt, offeringpeople the chance to uncover ceramic treasures, is under way, encouraging explorers to investigate Belfast’s urban alleyways. 9ft in Common: A Manifesto for the Alleyways is a research project exploring the potential of the city’s alleyways for play, growth, and connection.
Led by Aisling Rusk and Amberlea Neely, it showcases a mapped network of 202km of alleys that criss-cross the city, and prompts people to reconsider the empty spaces lying just beyond our back gates. In honour of the alleys, a symbolic offering of 202 handmade ceramic hag stones, created by ceramists Claire and Karen Gibson, were recently showcased at an exhibition in the historic Belfast Stories building. Example of hag stones Steeped in mystical folklore, hag stones have a naturally occurring hole, through which, it’s believed, people can see other realms.
Now, a team of volunteers have taken to the alleys to hide the stones as a way of encouraging the public to get out and explore these open spaces. Over 105 stones have already been hidden, with the remainder to be hidden in the coming weeks. Now people will have the chance to find — and keep — one of the ceramic treasures.
Aisling, of Studio Idir, is one of the 12 volunteers tasked with walking the alleys to hide the precious hag stones. “I’ve always had an interest in the alleyways, they’re these leftover spaces dotted all around our city, and while nobody really owns or claims them, in recent years, we’ve seen people come together to make them their own,” Aisling says. “The Covid-19 lockdown definitely had an impact at drawing communities out into their alleys as a way of connecting with others safely, but it’s a shift that’s become more prevalent, with people now using their alleys frequently — from growing vegetables and plants, hosting social activities like supper clubs and Brigid’s Cross weaving workshops, and even acoustic music sessions.
“It’s really inspiring to see and learn about all the different initiatives.” Example of hag stones The co-founder of the 9ft in Common initiative, who gave birth to her third child Eloise, in September, is looking forward to completing her walks over the coming weeks to hide a set number of hag stones with her baby daughter in tow. “I’m a big fan of walking and the benefits associated with getting outdoors into fresh, open space.
“I knew that even with the arrival of Eloise, taking part in the organised walks was something I’d want to do,” she explains. “I pop Eloise in her sling, and we get outside, meeting people along the way. That’s the great thing about the alleyways and the process of hiding the hag stones.
While we might be out walking on our own, we feel connected to the entire city, knowing that others are working around this network of alleys to either hide or discover hag stones”. On the importance of the hag stones, Aisling adds: “We knew we wanted to create something that not only symbolised the project, but also acted as an incentive for people to step outdoors and explore the alleys. “The alleys are small and not suitable for a gathering of 100 people to launch the project, but through the creation of the hag stones, we’re able to invite the entire city, and beyond, to discover an alleyway in the hope of uncovering one of the hidden stones to take home.
” Another volunteer taking to the streets of Belfast to support the project is John McIlduff, creative director of Belfast 2024, the cultural initiative which commissioned the 9ft in Common project. Example of hag stones “We were immediately inspired by the enthusiasm of everyone that’s involved with this initiative,” says John about why Belfast 2024 was inspired to support it. “Individually, they each have their own skillsets, which they’ve then combined to both challenge and encourage how people view these spaces within our city.
“We were intrigued by the name of the project and found out that 9ft is in reference to the standardised space between buildings and alleyways, which really illustrated the idea in a visual way.” John, who is immensely passionate about innovation and redevelopment, adds: “Belfast 2024 prides itself on investing in brilliant artists that excite imaginations, and this project does exactly that. John McIlduff, creative director of Belfast 2024 “It showcases a broad expression of public art that’s open for all to view in regard to how communities have transformed their local alleys, but it also helps to inspire creativity, enabling people to look at these empty spaces differently, and consider ways to redevelop them.
“I’m planning to walk approximately 26km in total, while hiding the hag stones along the way. It’s a fantastic way to see pockets of the city you’ve never been to. “I’m scheduling walking meetings and inviting councillors to walk an alleyway or two with me to let them see the great efforts communities are going to in creating something special and welcoming outside their back door.
” For information on upcoming organised walks, or to view the entire map of the city’s alleyway network, visit www.9ftincommon.com or connect with the project on Instagram @9ftincommon.
