HULL 2017 : Revolutionary Makers – An Ambitious Public Art Project

The people of Hull are being invited to take part in an ambitious public art project inspired by the female trailblazers of the city as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017.

Revolutionary Makers is a large scale collaborative commission, which will culminate in an installation in Hull City Hall ahead of WOW Hull (10-12 March), part of a global movement to champion gender equality. Through a weekend of talks, music, debate, comedy and performance, WOW Hull will celebrate International Women’s Day.

Hull 2017 is encouraging all ages, genders and abilities to come together to create a collaborative piece of art. Whether you are an individual or an existing group; a novice or an expert; you are invited to knit, weave, print, stitch or sew something wearable, from a brooches and badges to headscarves and wristbands.

Together the textiles will transform City Hall from a grand Victorian building into a place for creativity, discussion and thinking. At the end of the festival, participants are encouraged to take away one of the pieces and wear it as a WOW ambassador.

Rosie Millard, Chair of Hull 2017, said:

“Revolutionary Makers will bring communities together to celebrate the history of design and industry in Hull, drawing inspiration from the strong women of the city who have led to change and innovation, particularly those with craft ties such as Shirley Craven. The result should be a piece of art that challenges our understanding of Hull and the notion of equality while celebrating the city’s history and its links to effecting change.”

Commissioned artist Alinah Azadeh added:

“My work for WOW is influenced by craftivism, which goes back to the Suffragettes and the way they creatively branded their activism through the what they made and word on campaigns. Hull is historically a city of strong women but this hasn’t translated into greater equality. So I’m really excited to be involved in WOW Hull, which is asking why true gender equality is taking so long to achieve and what we need to do to bring about real and lasting change.”

The next Revolutionary Makers workshops will take place on:
• 28 February 7-9pm at Lydia’s Cake Away, Newland Avenue. Due to limited space, bookings are essential, ring Lydia on 01482 345166
• 1 March 10am-12noon at The Freedom Centre, Preston Road.