A people’s tapestry: sharing stories, breaking cycles, building connections

Aine Brady, Karen McGuigan

Research output: Book/ReportOther report

Abstract

This case study examines the application of co-creative methodologies to a cultural
intervention in the Market community, Belfast. The Market, a historically working-class neighbourhood, faces intergenerational challenges including unemployment, poverty, health inequalities, and political segregation. These challenges have been exacerbated by the legacy of the Conflict in the North of Ireland (NI), with change hindered more recently by a policy vacuum due to a period of suspended government.
The Conflict is a significant factor associated with mental ill health, substance use (SU) and related problems in NI. The increasing rates of drug-related deaths and
mental health (MH) issues reported in NI have become pressing issues in the Market too.
The Community Innovation Practitioner (CIP) project aimed to address these complex issues through an arts-based, intergenerational, community-led intervention.
The CIP project emphasises equitable partnership and co-creation, integrating community experience and knowledge, academic knowledge, arts and cultural expertise to empower participants. It mobilises a place-based response to identified challenges, aligned with national/regional strategies and learning, to maximise impact.
Co-designed and implemented with the Market Development Association (MDA) and satellite partners, the CIP facilitated arts-based workshops through cross-sector collaboration. Seventeen participants, in two intergenerational groups, engaged in nine workshops from November 2023 - March 2024, with no attrition. Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and taking a trauma-informed approach, the research employed arts-based co-creation methods including drama, creative writing, poetry, visual mapping, and photography (photovoice) to explore cultural responses to trauma and SU. These methods enabled participants to share their stories, build a collective narrative, and foster community connection, enabling open discussions on trauma, SU, belonging and civic identity.
The research culminated in a co-created, co-curated photographic exhibition, ‘The Market: A People’s Tapestry’, displayed in April 2024 at 2 Royal Avenue, an arts venue in central Belfast, attracting approximately 7000 visitors.
The exhibition launch gained significant media coverage on television (BBC Newsline), radio (Radio Ulster), and social media (>58,300 views across posts on X) raising awareness about community challenges and tackling stigma around trauma and SU.
Evaluation data suggests that the project tackled stigma, empowered participants, strengthened community resilience and inspired successful follow-on initiatives with other funders. The CIP project demonstrates the transformative potential of arts- based interventions in addressing complex health issues in marginalised communities and recognises the added value of devolved funding for cross-sector cultural R&D in NI.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherAHRC Creative Communities (Northumbria University)
Number of pages22
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A people’s tapestry: sharing stories, breaking cycles, building connections'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this