23rd May 2025
A new and inspiring exhibition that shines a spotlight on the creativity and talents of local community groups and young people is set to open this summer at the Pier Street – SPACE Pop-up, Fruit Market on Hull Marina.
Running from Friday 8 August to Thursday 21 August, the exhibition is the culmination of a year-long collaboration with six local secondary schools and local community groups.
Children aged 11+ from Tweendykes School and Sixth Form, Boulevard Academy, Felix House School, Sirius Academy North, The Hub School, and Ron Dearing UTC have been exploring the heritage of the South Blockhouse and the broader historical themes of “Hull 1540s to 1860s” and “Defending Hull” and expressing their discoveries through a variety of creative media.
In addition to school-based projects, local community groups, artists, and organisations have also been delving into the history of the South Blockhouse through a series of Creative Communities grant-funded initiatives and Creative Taster Workshops. Their imaginative responses are featured alongside the students' work, offering a dynamic and diverse look at how history can inspire creativity across generations.
The six schools received funding from Hull Maritime and The National Lottery Heritage Fund and has enabled students to engage in meaningful creative work during the 2024/25 academic year, culminating in the exhibition celebrating their efforts.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate the talent of Hull’s young people and communities while reconnecting with an untold part of our city’s history. The South Blockhouse is a vital piece of Hull’s maritime story, and through this creative exploration, we’re not only preserving our past but inspiring our future.”
The exhibition has been curated by Square Peg, a Hull-based community arts organisation known for its inclusive and community-driven approach to the arts.
Jemma Brown, Director of Square Peg, said: “As Square Peg Hull we have facilitated workshops with community groups for the South Blockhouse since the beginning of the project - and were delighted to be appointed as curators for the final exhibition.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the South Blockhouse, sharing that knowledge and creating visual artworks with communities in Hull. We have worked with The Special Stars Foundation, Sight Support Kids, Got Something to Say Art Group, Brainkind and Matthews Hub.
“Going forward we are really looking forward to working with the other artists and schools involved to realise an accessible exhibition that showcases and celebrates everyone involved.”
The exhibition is free to attend and promises to be a compelling celebration of Hull’s heritage as seen through the eyes of the next generation and the members of the local community.
