As part of our community programme, a series of pop-up displays and exhibitions are taking place in 2023 and 2024.
These pop-ups tell stories in unexpected places, from shop windows to fish & chips shops. They invite you to think a little differently about our maritime heritage and find out more about Hull Maritime.
The latest pop-up in the series, All Things Ocean, celebrates community craftwork from #WeMadeThisHull exploring ‘All Things Ocean’ and what water means to Hull and the wider region.
This exhibition will pop up at different libraries across the East Riding of Yorkshire from October 2023 until February 2024. The artworks will be available to view free of charge during normal library opening hours (please check the East Riding Libraries website for opening hours).
‘All Things Ocean’ was created by community craft group #WeMadeThisHull who invited people to celebrate World Ocean Day and help focus attention on the importance of our waterways and oceans. Makers were invited to craft squares related to the theme in some way, using whatever media they chose. The artworks were then compiled to create a series of thought-provoking mosaics.
Janet from #wemadethishull said: “One of the amazing things about #wemadethishull projects is that we never know what will happen and All Things Ocean was no exception!
There were around 200 squares in total submitted made by adults crafting at home, children in childcare, young people in support groups, adults in social groups, people in residential care and others across a whole range of crafts.
"We believe that everyone can create and it’s what connects us. There’s such excitement when it all comes together in an exhibition like All Things Ocean!”
The project was inspired by the focus on the need to protect our waterways and oceans in recent years. Each year, World Ocean Day focuses on the work which is necessary to improve and protect the oceans of the world. 2023 was no exception, focusing on the agreement made by world leaders for 30x30 – 30% of our ‘blue planet’ protected by 2030.
In Hull and the East Riding, we cannot fail to appreciate the role that waterways and their passageway to the oceans beyond have played in our existence. It could be said that all things maritime are in our DNA. Hull exists because of the waterways.
The word ocean will evoke different things in peoples’ minds. For some, it could prompt images or memories of travel, work or leisure activities, colour or pattern, fish or ships, animals or food! Sadly, some families have discovered how unpredictable the oceans can be, through the loss of loved ones. Waterways have provided inspiration for poets and artists both locally and further afield.
The All Things Ocean exhibition shares people’s thoughts and feelings about the ocean and our maritime heritage through creative works. We hope it inspires you to think about your relationship to water and perhaps to create something inspired by this.
Feedback from All Things Ocean so far:
“Thank you for making me think about the oceans in so many different and creative ways.” – Kate
“The display looks really good!” – Jaynie Lou
“Well done to all, looks fab, creative and colourful.” – Tracey
The All Things Ocean exhibition will be popping up at the following locations:
- Goole Library: Monday 2 October – Saturday 14 October
- Snaith Library: Monday 2 October – Saturday 14 October (the pop-up exhibition will not be available to view on Tuesday 10 October)
- Willerby Library: Monday 23 October – Saturday 4 November
- Hessle Library and Customer Services Centre: Monday 13 November – Saturday 25 November
- Withernsea Library and Customer Services Centre: Monday 4 December – Saturday 16 December
- Bridlington Central Library: Monday 8 January – Saturday 20 January
- Flamborough Library: Monday 8 January – Saturday 20 January
- North Bridlington Library: Monday 29 January – Saturday 10 February
Please check the East Riding Libraries website for site opening hours here.
