Hull-based cultural development organisation Absolutely Cultured has announced the programme for Creative Hull, a weekend-long celebration of Hull’s creativity, taking place from 16-18 July 2021.
Over 60 different activities are now confirmed, occupying existing venues, disused shops and buildings and outdoor spaces. There really is something for everyone.
Lindsay Stockley, Head of Creative Programme, Absolutely Cultured said: “The response from the city to get together, to celebrate and showcase the amazing array of creativity that is happening in Hull has been incredible. There is just such a huge variety included in the programme, whether people want to go and see a performance, an exhibition or try out a new skill like dance, writing songs for the stage or even game design. It’s fantastic to see so many cultural organisations, independents and community groups joining in. It’s set to be a great weekend.”
Creative Hull is a moment to celebrate our city’s culture and the role it can play as we emerge from this last year – responding to the changes brought and shaping a new optimistic future. The extensive programme has been shaped through the contributions of all those taking part with a whole host of local organisations, artists and community groups confirmed, including Ground, Hull College, Hull Dance, Hull Music Hub, Hull Urban Opera, Indigo Moon Theatre, Juice Studios, Studio Eleven Gallery & Studio, Walk of Art, and many more.
There will be activity taking place in multiple locations across the city centre and in some of Hull’s neighbourhoods. The majority of the programme can be enjoyed in person, though some events will be available online. Residents can even join in from home by downloading a free window design resource from the event website and displaying the creations in their window over the weekend.
In Whitefriargate, there will be a window display series, commissioned by Absolutely Cultured featuring work by five local artists. On the same street, social change organisation Joseph Rowntree Foundation will present an exhibition of over 20 portraits entitled, ‘Picture Britain: Our People, Our Poverty’.
In Queens Gardens, award-winning Middle Child will present ‘we used to be closer than this’; a collection of cabaret songs written by eight exciting writers from Hull and beyond.
Princes Quay shopping centre will be home to a number of events including art exhibitions, dance performances and an LGBTQ+ hangout safe space hosted by Pride in Hull.
Ferens Art Gallery will launch an LGBTQ+ gallery trail highlighting queer narratives in the gallery’s collection as part of their Pride In Our City project.
There will also be lots to experience in Humber Street; as well as venues such as Social hosting live music, Andersbrowne will present a textile exhibition of the work of local artist Shirley Craven, Juice Studios and Studio Eleven Gallery & Studio will be inviting people to come and visit their spaces, and Humber Street Gallery will be presenting a new exhibition by UK artists Rosie Hastings and Hannah Quinlan as well as the current exhibition by Leo Fitzmaurice.
Stephen Munn, CEO and Artistic Director at Absolutely Cultured said: “We’d originally planned this event for 2020 and whilst we knew it would be a little different than intended, we really didn’t know what the response was going to be, so it’s been incredible to see so many people getting on board, ready to remind everyone what a great asset our culture is in Hull. We’ve worked hard to make sure that it can still go ahead in a considered and socially-distanced way and we’re really thrilled to be able to offer a variety of exciting experiences and a reason to celebrate this summer.”
The Creative Hull programme details can be found on Absolutely Cultured’s website here: absolutelycultured.co.uk/creativehull
Everyone is invited to ‘get creative’, do something fun and discover something new through arts and culture.
