Client
9ft in Common
Year
2020 to Present
Services
PlacemakingThe Concept
9ft in Common is a large-scale, collaborative investigation, with collaborator Starling Start, into the creative potential of the residential entries or alleys of Belfast. It beckons us to see these oft-overlooked spaces as opportunities for creativity, connection, and community-building. It was initially funded by Necessity (a charity concerned with social and environmental justice) and, in 2024, is part of Belfast 24 – the city council’s ambitious cultural celebration for our city.
As part of the investigation, the Belfast Alley Map was produced, showing all of the residential alleys across the city. We also produced creative concepts that illustrated how the alley could be transformed into social space. Learning is at the forefront of our approach, with hands-on engagement, alleyway exploration, and a responsive approach to the evolving needs of communities. With our funding, we are commissioning a diverse array of artists and designers to respond to local needs, inspire creativity, and celebrate the cultural heritage, biodiversity, and social connections embedded in these spaces.
Inviting every resident of Belfast to become an active participant in this transformative journey
Crucially, 9ft in Common is not just about doing but about sharing. The initiative seeks to develop accessible ways to communicate its progress, fostering a sense of inclusion through gatherings, film, visuals, and the creation of a Manifesto for the Alleys. The Manifesto will communicate the alleyways’ potential and invites every resident of Belfast to become an active participant in this transformative journey.
