What’s the idea behind Belfast Stories?
We believe.
It’s a big idea, but once you get your head around it, not a complicated one. Sure, it’s ambitious - but what’s wrong with that?
Our story
The story of Belfast is complex. As a city that has seen its fair share of challenges, some of these stories will be born out of conflict. Difficult to tell for sure, but we want to do it in a way that openly acknowledges the fragmented nature of this place and explores its identities. Identities that as well as being sometimes contentious, are also intricately connected. And beyond that lies an ocean of memories, notions, thoughts and dreams that are all linked to the fabric and the feeling of Belfast.
Storytelling can be transformational. Belfast Stories will find new ways to tell, gather and share the stories told by the people of this city. We believe that by doing this we will capture Belfast’s unique spirit. By creating a place to share those stories with each other and with visitors, we are sharing the ideas, echoes, pictures and sounds that shape our collective identity. When we link those stories to new creative opportunities, we will inspire the next generation. This will be the story of the city in the richest possible detail told by those who know it best. The stories of Belfast let loose
Live forever
Belfast Stories will be a place for people to gather, talk and plan the future. A place of originality and enterprise. A place that helps Belfast establish its reputation as a free spirit and a creative force. It will be a building that looks and feels special.
As we know from experience, a building, however useful and attractive, is ultimately a vulnerable and temporary arrangement of structure, envelope, finishings and fittings. Stories, on the other hand, live forever.
Show the world
The gathering of these stories is the cornerstone of the Belfast Stories project. We believe that everyone has a right to tell their own story in their own way. We believe in finding the best ways to make that happen.
We believe that this treasure trove of language, imagery and music can find a new home at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street, restoring the much-loved Art Deco former Bank of Ireland and all the heritage it contains along the way. A building to show the world how much we value our city, our people and their Belfast stories.
A building that helps orientate visitors, where city lines become story lines as we send people out to explore our communities. Of course, a public project of such potential significance needs to be of benefit to as many people as possible in the city.
The next section outlines what these benefits are.
