A new exhibition exploring Hull’s maritime history will go on display at the Streetlife Museum.
The forthcoming exhibition ‘Sirius West’s Maritime Arts Quest’ is a collaboration between Hull Maritime and Sirius Academy West as part of the pilot project for our Young Maritime Creatives programme.
Inspired by the story of Lilian Bilocca and the activism of the Headscarf Revolutionaries after the Triple Trawler Tragedy of 1968, Students, aged 11 – 16, at Sirius Academy West have had the opportunity to celebrate Hull’s maritime heritage through creative and performing arts, helping to re-engage young people with Hull’s maritime history.
A large silk headscarf mural will take centre stage at the exhibition, where students’ individual silk pieces were sewn together to create a piece of legacy artwork that will eventually be permanently exhibited at Sirius West. This will act as the school’s own memorial to the Headscarf Revolutionaries and the spirit of their campaign. Also, there will be a film of the students’ drama, dance and music.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “Hull Maritime’s partnership with Sirius West has helped pave the way for our Young Maritime Creatives project and creative engagement with eight secondary schools around Hull.
“The exhibition is a unique opportunity for students to have their maritime work publicly displayed, made possible by Hull Maritime.
“Visitors will be able to explore our maritime heritage through the eyes of the next generation.”
Sirius Academy West Head of School, Gemma Ransom, said: “I have watched first-hand the wonderful creativity and development of this exhibition over the last few months. The staff and students have worked tirelessly and incredibly hard and have contributed their wonderful ideas to enable this to happen.
“We are so privileged as a school to be involved with such a rewarding project that has helped re-engage our students with Hull’s maritime history.”
Julia Willis Director of Creative and Performing Arts at Sirius Academy West, said: “Thanks to the funding and support of Hull Maritime, our students have been able to participate in a range of exciting creative and performing arts activities themed around the Hessle Road fishing community.
“The exhibition at the Streetlife Museum is a fantastic way of celebrating our student’s artistic and creative work and their new-found appreciation of Hull’s rich maritime heritage. We are really proud of our student’s engagement with the project and hope they enjoy visiting the exhibition to see all of their marvellous work on public display.”
The Young Maritime Creatives project has been an opportunity for Hull Maritime and Hull Museums to build positive relationships with Sirius Academy West and other secondary schools. These partnerships can add substantial cultural value to their student’s learning.
‘Sirius West’s Maritime Arts Quest’ will open on Friday 1 February, running until Thursday 29 February at Streetlife Museum, Museums Quarter on High Street.
