Projects
Open to Stay
Open to Stay
Open to Stay is a mixed-reality artwork that uses AR and spatial audio to actively involve audience groups in building a felt sense of sanctuary. The project is created in partnership with Belfast City of Sanctuary.
In any real space - a gallery, classroom, community hall, or even a gazebo - stand-alone AR doorway portals appear as you approach, guided by audio narrative. A simple push opens a threshold to recorded group conversations with newcomers to Belfast: people in candid, reflective dialogue discussing what in Belfast reminds of home, and what they miss.
Experiment
£20,000
Aims of the project
As details emerge, painterly Gaussian-splat environments bloom behind the portal. You can linger at the lintel or step through to be surrounded. When a story settles, the doorway dissolves and a quiet mural, drawn from the story, the imagery stays on the venue’s real surfaces, walls or a roof, accumulating as you move.
Just as the story is heard, the door dissolves and the mural takes over the room, the visitors feel a sense of welcome and safety to share who they are.
Meet the artists
Ekaterina Solomatina
Lead Artist & Producer
she/her
Ekaterina Solomatina is a Belfast-based artist creating Mixed Reality experiences that stay with you. She designs participatory, multi-user worlds where strangers — kids, teenagers, adults, older people — find themselves in the same imaginary space, making meaning together. Her work isn’t about the technology. It’s about what emerges when people from different generations are given room to reflect, connect, and see each other differently. She follows inspiration over formula. Communities shape her process as much as her ideas do — the making is part of the experience. Her work has been presented at MAC Belfast, Culture Night Belfast, Heritage Open Days, and Future Screens XR Days, commissioned by Arts Council Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
Dr Ivan Isakov
Creative Technician
he/him
Technical development is led by Ivan Isakov — an XR developer and CEO of Valkyrie, a company using immersive technology and gamification in neurological rehabilitation. He and Ekaterina have worked together in XR before.
Israel Eguaogie
Belfast City Of Sanctuary Co-ordinator
he/him
Israel will be coordinating workshops at the Belfast City of Sanctuary, and communicating the showcases dates and space.
Dr John D’Arcy
Composer, Hive Choir Director and Performer
he/him
John will be leading workshops on creative chorales composition and improv.
