Our exploration of sustainability included experiments with a medium that mirrors the creative and playful nature of alternative cultural practice: a custom tarot deck. ALTERMANCY: Arcana of the Underground is an interpretive and reflective tool through which to explore the complex dynamics of chance and autonomy on which the survival of an ACP depends. Given its association with the occult, we also found tarot to be an appropriate nod to the counter-cultural underpinnings of many of our projects.

The ALTERMANCY tarot deck is a collaboration between members of the Alter-Places team and French artist and illustrator Célia Gaultier, who has collaborated with La Station - Gare des Mines on many occasions. This unique set of 22 “trump” cards depict a spectrum of scenes associated with the “life cycle” of an ACP: representations of archetypal figures, activities, dynamics, and values surrounding a contemporary Alternative Cultural Place. 

Whether used alone or collectively, the deck provides a playful, poetic system for critical contemplation and imaginative speculation—through an appropriately artistic and occult lens. Are you needing to step back and reflect on your ACP? Summon the collective, spiritual wisdom of ACPs past, present, and future – gather your team and draw a card. You will find instructions, and card descriptions, alongside the deck.

Elements included in the prototype: 22 major arcana tarot cards, instructions leaflet, storage pockets - for a total of 100 decks

Number of people involved: 6

Competencies required: illustration, printing, storytelling, writing

Partners: Célia Gaultier - illustration and design, Studio Fidele - risograph print of the cards, L’Atelier du Tote Bag - print of the bags

Development time: 7 months

Estimated budget: 5000€