Over the past year, Shared Roots has been quietly taking shape across Belfast — in churches and community centres, on walking routes and in heritage spaces, through conversations, workshops, and moments of shared discovery.

This first year hasn’t been about big statements or finished answers. Instead, it’s been about listening, showing up, and creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together to explore culture, heritage, and identity in ways that feel open, respectful, and human.

Starting with people

From the beginning, Shared Roots set out to ask a simple question: what happens when we slow down and explore our shared spaces together?

Over the year, we’ve walked through historic neighbourhoods, gathered around stories of remembrance and ritual, and explored how faith, culture, and the built environment shape who we are and how we live together. People have come as individuals, families, community groups, newcomers, long-term residents, artists, and learners — each bringing their own perspectives and experiences.

“I’ve lived in this city all my life, but I saw places — and people — in a completely new way. It made me curious rather than cautious.”
— Shared Roots participant

What’s become clear is that heritage isn’t fixed. It lives in people’s memories, conversations, and relationships.

Creating space for connection

Many of the activities in Year One focused on creating safe, welcoming spaces — places where curiosity could replace assumption, and where people felt comfortable asking questions, sharing stories, or simply listening.

Sometimes that meant gathering in familiar local venues. Sometimes it meant walking together through places people thought they already knew, and seeing them differently through someone else’s eyes. Often, the most meaningful moments came not from the activity itself, but from the conversations that happened around it.

“It felt relaxed and inclusive — there was no pressure to agree or perform. You could just be there and take it in.”
— Shared Roots participant

Learning as we go

Shared Roots is a co-created project, and that means learning happens in real time. Over the year, we’ve adapted how and where we work based on what participants told us — from the pace of sessions, to how stories are shared, to what feels accessible and welcoming.

We’ve learned that connection doesn’t need to be rushed, and that trust grows when people feel respected and heard. We’ve also seen how powerful arts and heritage can be when they’re used not to tell people what to think, but to invite reflection and dialogue.

“I didn’t feel like I was being taught something — it felt more like discovering it together.”
— Shared Roots participant

Looking ahead

As Shared Roots moves into its next phase, the foundations laid in this first year will shape what comes next. There will be more opportunities to take part — through tours, creative projects, performances, training, and shared events — all rooted in the idea that our differences are part of a much bigger, shared story.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has walked alongside us so far. Shared Roots is growing because of the people involved — their openness, generosity, and willingness to explore together.

“It gave me hope. Not in a big, dramatic way — just in how people listened to each other.”
— Shared Roots participant

Join us

Join us as the project continues to grow — new activities will be launching soon.
If you’re curious, you’re welcome. There’s plenty more to discover.

Shared Roots is part of the From Multiculturalism to Interculturalism led by ArtsEkta, Kabosh and Cairde na Cille under the Belfast Local Community Action Plan, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.