Alleyways of AlUla (2025)
The Alleyways of AlUla project is an initiative focused on heritage and powered by the local community, inspired by the successful Alleyways of Gosport programme in the UK, which reactivated neglected urban pathways through artistic interventions and local engagement. Building on this model, the proposed pilot in AlUla aims to transform the region’s historic alleyways into vibrant cultural spaces through storytelling, heritage interpretation, and creative workshops. With a strong focus on female-led community involvement, the project will foster collaboration between Saudi and UK artists through a mentorship programme.
Project background
Rooted in the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity, it will begin with a scoping visit to explore opportunities for adaptive reuse and stakeholder engagement, laying the groundwork for long-term cultural regeneration. By combining AlUla’s rich history with innovative, participatory design, the initiative seeks to uncover hidden narratives and celebrate local identity, breathing new life into the region’s overlooked spaces.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Sustainable Conservation Trust is a UK-based organization dedicated to preserving and reimagining heritage spaces through creative, community-led approaches. With a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and placemaking, SCT works at the intersection of conservation, public engagement, and contemporary art to ensure historic environments remain relevant and accessible.
Supporting the project
It was inspirational to visit this ancient cultural hub and engage with years of heritage via ‘Alleyways of AlUla’. I participated in the project via SCT by creating these visuals. Sets of films were generated during the pilot project. In order to develop UK/Saudi cross-cultural artistic relations it was essential to create videos introducing the British participants. I created these edits for heritage architect Deniz Beck, and artists Harry Payne and Pippa Charlesworth.
Reflecting upon the sight and feel of the landscape, I chose to develop introductory cards with frame-by-frame animated clay. This is a technique I am looking to develop through my ‘Bahrain: A Visual Diary’ project. For the local installation maps, I toured these ancient alleyways and the team decided upon a contrasting blue for the maps. Again, I made use of the clay as a means to creatively highlight future areas of collaborative art installation.
Additionally, SaudiNOW requested a film highlighting the projects’ impact upon ourselves, local professionals, and the wider social media sphere. It was my pleasure to also deliver this edit, which also gave me time to collect my thoughts on the trip and its own impact on myself and my future art.
Praise for ‘Alleyways’ and HRH Prince William site visit
‘We’re grateful to share this reflection from the British Council following our AlUla grant-supported project.
Seeing Mohammed [project team member] recently photographed with HRH Prince William during the UK visit makes this moment even more special. Strong local voices are at the heart of Alleyways of AlUla, and this is just the beginning as we move towards Tantora.’
-Deniz Beck