Absolutely Cultured – Open To Everyone And Anyone

Next month, Hull will welcome the international performing arts community to the city, as Absolutely Cultured, IETM and partners Arts Council England and the British Council host IETM Hull 2019.  

The exciting programme of talks, discussions, workshops and performances will explore the subject of inclusion, showcasing the diverse practice of local, regional and national artists and celebrating international collaboration and cooperation.   

Open to everyone and anyone, the timely programme will give the national and international arts community an insight into what is special about the contemporary performing arts sector across Hull, the north of England and wider UK. 

Absolutely Cultured has produced an exciting artistic programme that showcases award-winning local artists including the latest play by Middle Child, Us Against Whatever, while Silent Uproar will perform its 2017 hit play, A Super Happy Story About Feeling Super Sad.   

Over four days, 10 diverse performances, including dance, comedy, immersive theatre and spoken word will take place in venues across the city, giving local people the opportunity to see many shows and artists who have never before performed in Hull.  

Internationally renowned Candoco Dance Company, a company of disabled and non-disabled dancers, will perform in the city offering audiences a profound and boundary-pushing experience in its latest double bill, Face In by Yasmeen Godder and Let’s Talk About Dis by Hetain Patel.   

No Kids is the latest energetic, hilarious, moving and thought-provoking play from the multi-award-winning Bristol-based company, Ad Infinitum, while in Fat Blokes, Scottee uncovers why fat men are never sexy but are always funny in a hilarious dance show of sorts.  

Delegates will explore art in the city, across venues including Hull Truck Theatre, Middleton Hall, The Guildhall, Hull College, Ferens Studio, Royal Hotel, New Theatre, City Hall and the Maritime Museum.   

Keynote speakers include Sade Brown, an award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of Sour Lemons, which addresses the lack of diversity in leadership within the creative, cultural and social sectors, and British theatre-maker and comedian Jess Thom, founder of Touretteshero.  

IETM is a membership organisation for contemporary performing arts, with more than 500 members from over 50 countries. With a mission to advocate for the value of the arts and culture in a changing world, IETM holds two plenary meetings each year in different European cities. Hull will be the first UK city to host a plenary since 2010. 

As a city, Hull is no stranger to IETM’s mission to advocate the value of the arts and culture in a changing world. In 2017, it hosted a momentous year of arts and culture as UK City of Culture 2017 and has seen first-hand what can happen when culture is used to breathe energy into a place and connect communities. 

Creative Director and CEO of Absolutely Cultured, Katy Fuller, said:

“We’re delighted to unveil the programme for IETM Hull 2019 as we prepare to welcome the international performing arts community to our city.  

“Hosting the IETM meeting is fantastic news for Hull; these events are recognised as occasions where new international partnerships are fostered, working practices are shared and the host region and country has the opportunity to showcase what is exciting and unique about its performing arts sector. 

“I’m also thrilled that it gives us the opportunity to present a performance programme which is for the general public as well as delegates of IETM. I’m sure our local audiences will make the most of the chance to see amazing visiting artists like Candoco, Scottee and Ad Infinitum as well as continuing to show their loyal support for Hull’s own Middle Child and Silent Uproar.   

“The subject of inclusion in arts and culture is fascinating and rich and gives us a huge amount to discuss, debate, challenge and celebrate over the four days. We will also enjoy showing our international colleagues what a brilliant city Hull is, with local artists hosting dinners and city walks alongside the main programme. Furthermore, we will be promoting the importance of international collaboration and cooperation in these uncertain times.   

“We want people to explore the programme, explore the city, share experiences and build relationships. This is an incredible opportunity for us all and I urge people to register for an early bird ticket for the plenary meeting which are available until Friday 22 February, and also to book tickets for the exciting
performance programme.”  

Early bird tickets for the plenary meeting are priced €100 (approx £88) and are available until 22 February 2019. For more information or to register your place visit:  https://www.ietm.org/ .