In a notable move to preserve and highlight Hull’s rich artistic legacy, Hull City Council has partnered with auditors Beam to roll out a city-wide art initiative. This program urges both Hull residents and tourists to help document the diverse range of public artworks dispersed throughout the city.
The Council and Beam are particularly keen to unearth artworks that may have remained hidden or been neglected over time, be it sculptures, graffiti, or other forms of public art. Individuals are encouraged to photograph these artworks and share them on social media using the hashtag #HullPublicArt, ensuring to tag the official handles, @Hullccnews and @Beam_ArtsUK.
This collaborative effort aims to produce extensive maps that will detail the location and nature of permanent public artworks in Hull. Not only will this initiative spotlight artistic landmarks, but it may also pave the way for potential city-wide public art tours.
Beyond mapping existing artworks, the data collected will be pivotal in formulating a robust public art strategy for Hull, targeting the enhancement of art visibility and appreciation in public domains.
Kath Wynne-Hague, Hull City Council’s Head of Culture and Place, highlighted the multifaceted nature of public art. She stated, “Public art exists everywhere – parks, gardens, streets. We need a comprehensive record of these artworks to bolster our research and planning.”
Supporting this sentiment, Councillor Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, remarked on Hull’s profound cultural identity. He emphasized the broader benefits of public art, noting, “Such artworks are not just visual marvels; they also offer tangible social, cultural, and economic advantages.”
As an additional measure to gather accurate data, representatives from HEY! Volunteering will be conducting on-ground surveys related to the city’s public art. This initiative is in line with Hull’s overarching objectives to foster a forward-thinking cultural strategy, reminiscent of the city’s success in drawing over 5 million visitors during its tenure as the UK City of Culture in 2017.
More details about the initiative can be sourced from Arts | Hull City Council.
