A free festival aimed at developing young people’s creativity is back this half term.
The Creative Voice Festival will take place Thursday 29 – Friday 30 October, 12.30-4.30pm at Princes Quay third floor. It will offer a mix of workshops, young people’s performances, exhibitions, conversations and food.
It will give those visiting the chance to see how young people have been creative at their local youth centres and youth arts projects across Hull.
Fun drop-in workshops in film, music and visual arts will allow participants to explore their culture and identity as well find out how they can work in the creative industries.
The festival will include practical filmmaking sessions with Fly Girl Films, DJ lessons with DJ Methodz and team of young mentors, spoken word and rap with Out of the Box commissioned artist Mahmud Ibrahim, as well as henna hand painting, calligraphy design and how to wear saris and hijabs with The Peel Project.
Back to Ours is asking people to decorate an umbrella to eventually be used at the Our City event which returns next year. Or simply contribute a section, with drawings, doodles, words, colours and messages representing what Hull means to them – people, places, history, community, creativity and hopes for the future.
On Thursday (29 Oct) at 3.30pm, a panel will share how they have been able to work in the arts in Hull including representatives from NHS, The Warren, Beats Bus, Middle Child Theatre and current Generation Hull creative apprentices.
Exhibitions will feature artwork by The Peel Project, Generation Hull and Riot Recovery Project.
“Common Ground” is an exhibition by The Peel Project, inspired by Isaac Yeboah’s exhibition Daylight Comes Through the Cracks at Artlink. Working with artist Layla Jabbari, participants have explored and shared family stories, memories and personal experiences. The resulting work celebrates the connections we share as individuals, highlighting common ground rather than the differences that can divide us.
Generation Hull will also showcase artwork created during the first year of its School Arts Councils programme. Working alongside professional artists, young people are using creativity to express their ideas, ambitions and hopes for their creative future.
The event will also feature performances in music, dance and drama from Freedom Road Creative Arts, Just Drama and Ainthorpe Youth Centre.
Don’t miss Just Drama from Andrew Marvell Youth Centre, who will be performing at the festival for their third consecutive year. Catch their performance on Friday 30 October at 4pm and enjoy the comedy talent of this inspiring young theatre group.
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture at Hull City Council, said: “Creative Voice Festival is a brilliant free event for young people over this half term.
“The council’s commitment to culture and in particular community-led culture is showcased here for young people to enjoy and try for themselves.
“We have a thriving cultural community here in Hull and I look forward to seeing the next generation get a taste of the sort of career paths they could take.”
The festival is free to attend and no booking is necessary.
The venue is step free and a wheelchair friendly space with an accessible toilet in Princes Quay. A quiet space and area are also available. BSL Interpretation is available for the Working in the Arts in Hull Panel Thursday 29 October, 3.30-4.30pm.
Additionally, as part of Corporate Parenting Week and Creative Voice Festival, Young Voices Influencing Care (YVIC) have been exploring the theme of “Trust” working with artists Square Peg and will be showcasing their work from Wednesday 28 October to Wednesday 4 November at Ferens Art Gallery.