Section 8 is a versatile mobile space which takes the form of a converted van. This mobile space was developed as part of a long term project by What's the Story? Collective exploring power relationships, built on the gathering and sharing of personal stories. By positioning the vehicle in significant public space and engaging a variety of relevant publics in dialogues and creative interactions, Section 8 provides a platform in which to connect intimate personal experiences of power relationships with broader societal and systematic issues.
For its first round of trips in 2009, the interior of the vehicle was transformed into a mini cinema. In Summer, Section 8 travelled to Belfast and Galway to show a new film by the Collective called “12 Anonymous Stories” (See Film section) which involves the retelling by ‘actors’, of a selection of the Collective’s personal stories about power relationships. In Belfast, the van was positioned at a number of public sites which included parking in front of the University of Ulster Grad show on opening night and on Victoria Parade at New Lodge. In July, the van was welcomed outside 126 gallery in Galway and also traveled to West Side to engage with young people from the local youth project.
In Autumn 2009, having being selected to be part of the NEU/NOW festival as part of European Capital of Culture celebrations in Vilnius, Lithuania , What's the Story? Collective recreated the Section 8 van and parked for 4 days within The Titanic - Design Innovations Centre of Vilnius Academy of Arts screening a new film 'Eight Dublin Lithuanian Stories' based on the stories of Dublin based Lithuanian young people, re-enacted by their Irish peers. (See Film section) The Section 8 van was also used as a site for critical discussions by the Collective on their practice.
What's the Story? Collective are currently working on plans for Section 8 for 2010.
