An exhibition, called South Blockhouse: Crown, Cannon and Clover. celebrated the creativity and talents of Hull’s young people and community groups has been on display at the Pier Street – SPACE Pop-up in the Fruit Market on Hull Marina from Saturday 9 August to Thursday 21 August.
The exhibition was curated by Square Peg, a Hull-based community arts organisation known for its inclusive and community-driven approach to the arts and was the culmination of a year-long collaboration involving six local secondary schools and a range of community organisations.
Students aged 11 and over from Tweendykes School and Sixth Form, Boulevard Academy, Felix House School, Sirius Academy North, The Hub School, and Ron Dearing UTC explored the rich heritage of the South Blockhouse and broader historical themes including “Hull 1540s to 1860s” and “Defending Hull.” Their discoveries brought to life through a variety of creative media including 3D modelling, murals, drama, photography and textile work.
In addition to the school-led projects, local artists and community groups contributed their own imaginative responses through Creative Communities grant-funded initiatives and Creative Taster Workshops, offering a dynamic and intergenerational perspective on Hull’s history. Hull residents and community groups including Brainkind, the 'Got Something to Say' disabled artists group, Hull Scrapstore, Matthew's Hub, Rooted in Hull, Sight Support Kids, The Special Stars Foundation and We Made This Hull have had the opportunity to create diverse and engaging artworks in a range of mediums with local artists including Fiona Caley, Helen Gill, Lauren Saunders and Square Peg Hull.
Here is some feedback from those who visited the exhibition.
"Really creative and colourful. Great to see the work from local people in the community."
"It's a packed exhibition with a really good mix of exhibits!"
"A lot of work to smile about!"
"Thoroughly enjoyable and insightful!"
"Fantastic to see people showing the huge history of Hull"
"Impressed by the history of my home town"
"Proud of my Hull heritage"
"joyous"
"Happy to see people trying to keep our history alive"
"great, very creative and informative"
"It looks fantastic!"
"I love how all of the schools created individual responses - fantastic variation of media and techniques"
"Emotional - to see my departments/students work on display. Proud to take part"
