A new pop-up gallery has opened on Humber Street, and all the artwork has one unusual thing in common.
Every piece of art, poetry and poster has been created by local primary school pupils – and it’s all about breastfeeding. The exhibition, Feeding Futures: Breastfeeding Through the Eyes of Hull’s Children, will run for a week, from today (June 22) to Tuesday June 28. It is part of a project where Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Infant Feeding Team worked with children to increase awareness and understanding of breastfeeding and help normalise it within local communities.
Schools across Hull were involved, including Thanet Primary School, St Richard’s VC Academy, Bellfield Primary School, Chiltern Primary School and The Parks Primary Academy. The Infant Feeding Team talked to pupils about breastfeeding and its benefits, and then invited them to express what they had learned through creative artwork, poetry and posters. This work forms the heart of the exhibition.
The space will also feature a collection of photographs featuring local women breastfeeding in locations across Hull, and additional displays will highlight the importance of infant feeding and signpost to available support.
Cllr Linda Chambers, Portfolio Holder for Public Health at Hull City Council, said: “This is an absolutely lovely exhibition, and is well worth a visit. We know lots of families will be out and about in the city centre and Humber Street area now the summer holidays have begun.
“The artwork the children have created is a lovely way to start a conversation about breastfeeding, and reflect on the role it has played in your life. Many people will also learn something new, as the young artists have created some really insightful work.
“Normalising breastfeeding can start with visibility and an open conversation, which is exactly what this exhibition creates space for. There is also plenty of information about local support, for anyone already breastfeeding, or planning to”.
Ellie Talbot-Imber (Infant Feeding Lead – Hull 0-19 Integrated Public Health Nursing Service) said: “This exhibition is a celebration of the creativity, curiosity and insight shown by Hull’s children. By helping young people learn about breastfeeding from an early age, we hope to create a culture where it is seen as a normal and valued part of everyday life.
“The artwork and poetry produced by the children are thoughtful, engaging and often incredibly moving. We are delighted to share their work with the wider community”.
The project is the work of Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Hull 0-19 Integrated Public Health Nursing Service, in partnership with Hull City Council. The exhibition opens today, Wednesday July 22 – Tuesday July 28, 10am – 3pm every day, excluding Sunday.
For information about the Infant Feeding Service, visit: https://www.familyhubshull.org.uk/parenting-advice-information/infant-feeding/8