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 Stu.