A new exhibition that showcases the creativity and talents of Hull’s young people, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich maritime heritage is to go on display at Ferens Art Gallery.
Titled “Waves of Wonder: An Exhibition by Hull’s Young Maritime Creatives”, the exhibition is on display from Saturday 19 October 2024 and will run until Sunday 26 January 2025.
From the Spurn Lightship to scrimshaw, students at eight Hull secondary schools have produced imaginative and impactful artworks that celebrate Hull’s maritime stories in new ways, through painting, sculpture, textiles, creative writing, performance, and music. The exhibition will bring these works together alongside a selection of artworks and objects from other Hull Museums collections, to explore how the sea has long inspired the city’s artists, storytellers, and makers.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to present this exhibition, which reflects the vibrant creativity of Hull’s young people. Their fresh perspectives and artistic talents bring new life to the city’s maritime stories. We invite everyone to come and experience the unique blend of past and present, tradition and innovation.”
This exhibition is part of Hull Maritime’s ‘Young Maritime Creatives’ project. The project launched in May 2023 and has given grants to eight secondary schools across Hull to support students to create an artistic response to Hull’s maritime story. As well as producing their own artworks, the students have had the opportunity to explore maritime objects and heritage sites, meet with maritime communities to learn about their experiences, and visit Ferens Art Gallery to explore how exhibitions are made.
The eight schools involved in the Young Maritime Creatives project are: The Boulevard Academy, Sirius Academy West, Sirius Academy North, Trinity House Academy, Frederick Holmes School, The Hub School, Venn Boulevard Centre, and Kelvin Hall School.
Kristopher McKie, Community Curator for the exhibition, said: “It’s been an absolute delight to work alongside the young people involved and to witness the breadth of their creativity. This exhibition will be a joyous and vibrant celebration of imagining and making and of Hull’s rich maritime history. It will encourage us all to think about how our connection with the sea inspires our creativity in different and sometimes surprising ways!”
Anouk de Bokx, Head of Creative and Vocational Faculty, Boulevard Academy, said: “Working with our students on the Young Maritime Creatives project with Hull Maritime has been an amazing experience. Exploring our maritime history and creating work collaboratively has given students a sense of pride in our heritage and community, which they couldn’t wait to share with others.”
Visitors can expect a stimulating experience that not only celebrates Hull’s seafaring legacy but also emphasises the ongoing creative dialogue between the city and the ocean. The exhibition will include interactive elements providing an engaging platform for community engagement and learning.
