Art Explores What It Means To Be ‘Homeless And Rootless’ In Hull

Local artists are working with homeless people in Hull to examine why people within our society become abandoned and forgotten.

The unique art exhibition, part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017’s Creative Communities Programme, opens at St Mary’s Church on Sunday (June 25).

Hidden Voices is an initiative that has arisen from the links the church has with more than 60 homeless people in Hull. It is a recognition of their unique perspective and a creative core that has few avenues of expression.

Local artist and coordinator for the project, Marcel Craven, who has himself experienced homelessness, has been working closely with homeless people in Hull to produce a selection of creative and thought-provoking artwork.

Marcel said:

“There are a myriad of reasons why people become ‘homeless & rootless’, as there are a myriad of definitions to the terms. As part of the Hidden Voices programme the terminology of ‘homeless & rootless’ is discussed and examined; part of the ongoing work is a growing collection of responses to the question, ‘What do the terms homeless & rootless mean to you?’, the responses come from the public of Hull and these responses are as varied as the reasons behind the issues.

“Some are definite and specific, highlighting a group of disenfranchised, ‘can drinkers begging in doorways’, others are more searching in their response bringing issues of mental illness, addiction, abuse, migration, loss, economy, break down, death of a loved one, unemployment, the benefit system, loss of faith and isolation to the table of debate; all responses are valid and all are aired, and in this way a fair and level exploration of the ever growing problem of ‘homelessness & rootlessness’ can be delivered.”

In this, the second Hidden Voices event, the artwork created by homeless and rootless people in Hull will be exhibited at St Marys Church from June 25 until June 30.

The work explores ties in with the current Roots & Routes Hull 2017 programme.

The exhibition follows on from The Begging Door where part of the architecture of St Mary’s was used as the basis for an installation work and a soundscape that encouraged people to consider the terminology of ‘begging’.

Marcel added:

“We all exist on and traverse the same landscape and we all at some point may suffer the rigours of being ‘homeless & rootless’ in any of its manifestations, opening up the level of enquiry to encompass all will destigmatize issues that are more common than some may wish to admit to in our complex and fast moving modern lives.”

Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017, said:

“Homelessness is a real and prevalent issue that despite its visibility is something we often distance ourselves from as a society. This exhibition will hopefully shine more light on the issue, and increase awareness and understanding.”