Hull-based cultural development organisation Absolutely Cultured has announced its programme for Creative Hull – a weekend-long celebration of Hull’s creativity.
Taking place from the 16 -18 July, the weekend will showcase many local artists, residents, community groups and cultural organisations.
More than 60 different activities are now confirmed, taking place in existing venues, disused shops and buildings and outdoor spaces.
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.”
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.
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 exhibitions at Humber Street Gallery, live music on Humber Street and various events and activities happening in wider areas of the city.
In the Avenues, people will be invited to enjoy Walk of Art HU5, where over 30 local artists will take over gardens and garage spaces to show and sell their work. On Beverley Road lots will be going on, with Ground opening their studios and showing their latest work and WILD:M.I.L.D, led by local artist Ceaac, will offer music improvisation and life drawing workshops. In The Shires area of Gipsyville and Peel Street Park in Spring Bank, Absolutely Cultured has worked with the community and artists Andy Pea, Sergej Komkov and sound artists The Broken Orchestra to present a soundscape (Gipsyville) and an outdoor photography exhibition (Spring Bank) featuring residents’ stories.
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.”
You can find out more about Creative Hull here.
