hidden voices
A year of enquiry/exploration and making; this project was sponsored by Hull City of Culture 2017 and aimed to air the voices of the homeless and rootless….workshops and exhibitions were held at St Mary’s the Virgin Lowgate Hull….
A year of enquiry/exploration and making; this project was sponsored by Hull City of Culture 2017 and aimed to air the voices of the homeless and rootless….workshops and exhibitions were held at St Mary’s the Virgin Lowgate Hull….
HIDDEN VOICES EXHIBITION/PROJECT REVIEW – APRIL 2017
This is a brief letter/article/review to highlight the first stage of the City of Culture 2017 sponsored project ‘HIDDEN VOICES’.
Firstly I would like to thank all those who endeavoured to make this first ‘step’ happen after such a shaky and in some ways unchartered start; any problems encountered along the way were met with due consideration and humanity, civility and a teamwork ethos that underpins the essence of what projects such as these are about.
From the initial meeting there was a resounding chorus of ‘we are for this’ and moreover ‘we can and will deliver’, and we did, so I think we deserve a little recognition amongst ourselves for the hard work and aforementioned endeavour that went to making ‘HIDDEN VOICES 1’ such a resounding success.
And it was a success for all involved, whether this success is measured by the modern and ever present form filling by audience/participators, by the very same footfall of audience or by those who engage as makers and participators; the loci was highlighted for its historical/traditional community role-its architecture and inner essence were captured and became integral parts of the ‘storytelling and exploratory’ role of the exhibition/project in such pieces as ‘the begging door’ and the ‘n-eg-ativity’ plays that could be heard in the nativity chapel.
The work displayed was purposefully integrated within the interior of ST. Mary’s with due consideration and sensitivity to those who work there and to the dwindling congregation; I myself conversed with and maintained a positive dialogue to ensure a ‘happy ship’ for all.
And so it was good to see so many new visitors through the doors, to engage in so many positive conversations regarding the work, the location and moreover the sense and sensitivity to which the issues of the project were delivered; those who came as city of culture volunteers embraced the project and work wholeheartedly and enjoyed their time with much positive comment and dialogue.
The local media and press also played there part in highlighting –as Martin Green put it- ‘this jewel in the crown of the creative community’s projects’, being interviewed by Judi Murden for Radio Humberside I promoted not only the work and those involved but the location, stating that for much of the time it was overshadowed by events happening at its sister church Holy Trinity.
One can only surmise that the first exhibition and the project (so far) was an outstanding success, I hope those who were against the project and vilified it as an exploitative endeavour stepped away from their keyboard(s) and interacted in a physical engagement with not only the work but those who endeavoured to make it happen, shining a light not only on difficult socio-political issues, engagement with these, but also on ST. Mary’s longstanding role of interaction and engagement.
Marcel Craven – Artist in Residence, team member of HIDDEN VOICES
This is a brief letter/article/review to highlight the first stage of the City of Culture 2017 sponsored project ‘HIDDEN VOICES’.
Firstly I would like to thank all those who endeavoured to make this first ‘step’ happen after such a shaky and in some ways unchartered start; any problems encountered along the way were met with due consideration and humanity, civility and a teamwork ethos that underpins the essence of what projects such as these are about.
From the initial meeting there was a resounding chorus of ‘we are for this’ and moreover ‘we can and will deliver’, and we did, so I think we deserve a little recognition amongst ourselves for the hard work and aforementioned endeavour that went to making ‘HIDDEN VOICES 1’ such a resounding success.
And it was a success for all involved, whether this success is measured by the modern and ever present form filling by audience/participators, by the very same footfall of audience or by those who engage as makers and participators; the loci was highlighted for its historical/traditional community role-its architecture and inner essence were captured and became integral parts of the ‘storytelling and exploratory’ role of the exhibition/project in such pieces as ‘the begging door’ and the ‘n-eg-ativity’ plays that could be heard in the nativity chapel.
The work displayed was purposefully integrated within the interior of ST. Mary’s with due consideration and sensitivity to those who work there and to the dwindling congregation; I myself conversed with and maintained a positive dialogue to ensure a ‘happy ship’ for all.
And so it was good to see so many new visitors through the doors, to engage in so many positive conversations regarding the work, the location and moreover the sense and sensitivity to which the issues of the project were delivered; those who came as city of culture volunteers embraced the project and work wholeheartedly and enjoyed their time with much positive comment and dialogue.
The local media and press also played there part in highlighting –as Martin Green put it- ‘this jewel in the crown of the creative community’s projects’, being interviewed by Judi Murden for Radio Humberside I promoted not only the work and those involved but the location, stating that for much of the time it was overshadowed by events happening at its sister church Holy Trinity.
One can only surmise that the first exhibition and the project (so far) was an outstanding success, I hope those who were against the project and vilified it as an exploitative endeavour stepped away from their keyboard(s) and interacted in a physical engagement with not only the work but those who endeavoured to make it happen, shining a light not only on difficult socio-political issues, engagement with these, but also on ST. Mary’s longstanding role of interaction and engagement.
Marcel Craven – Artist in Residence, team member of HIDDEN VOICES
