Hull City Of Culture 2017 and the photo challenge has become part of my life. Sneaked up on me at the beginning of the year and now I can’t imagine my week without the random visits, walks, places and people. Random – this week has been one of those. Every Sunday or Monday I sit down, panic about the deadline and look through the photos taken. Although this week has been work-crazy, I have managed to photograph two different [completely] cultural things.
CASTING ON HUMBER: Castaway Act on Sobriety.
The Sobriety Project in partnership with Castaway Goole received funding for this unique project from Hull UK City of Culture 2017’s Creative Communities programme.
Lady called Sarah Louise Davies was so lovely, she sent me the press release with some more info about the performance.
The cast are all experienced members of Castaway Music Theatre who work together weekly in Goole with Sarah Davies.
15 members of the group will be joined by additional professional performers, Hull City of Culture volunteers and members of community groups who are participating in workshops in Hull and Goole.
Castaway Music Theatre member Anna said: “We know what we’re doing. But we don’t know what will happen.
Martin Green, Director of Hull 2017, said: “The Creative Communities Programme encourages local groups and performers to think outside the box and this project has certainly done that.”
It really was something different in the most beautiful way. I went to the very first performance, mid week, early daytime, so I saw the first reaction from the public.
It made me smile, art and culture is for everyone, not just to view, but to be part of. The members of public had the opportunity to become part of the performance and jiggle along. And I have learned to dance whilst on camera duty…
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The second #getculturedmovement activity was something completely different. Other spectrum of the culture. The long hunted Ground Gallery down Beverley Road was hosting a PEACE PARTY.
One culture event leads to another – that is how I got an invite to the party. Martin Berger – saxafonist and clarnetist from Spain was playing at the Casting On Humber, so he invited me to come along.
Saturday was an intense day that was measured in 18,000 steps and a lot of fresh air, and a lot of photos taken. DO I REALLY FEEL LIKE A PEACE PARTY??
But my gut feeling told me to get my camera back on and at least have a nosy. I guess after two attempts to see the gallery – art gem in the middle of quite a culture-quiet area, this was my chance.
I arrived and there was “peace” hippies gathering and I was about to experience a cultural awkwardness…
I am familiar with the culture, back in the day I was hanging out with few and the lifestyle, although not for me, seemed fascinating.
But the shock hit me – all dressed up in Ray Bans, fancy camera, Ombre hair…I was feeling like the capitalist pig [yeah, I’ve got the definition for you to read] and I guess I am a little bit, but that was right in my face.
People there have the community that is based on love and peace, ideology they share and the lifestyle that makes them free spirits. At least the outer shell says that.
There was a lot of friendly and chatty people, it was welcoming, but more than ever I had to convince them that my presence is genuine.
About the gallery – strong vibes of artist PINKYVISION. I have been following the work on social platforms and that made me feel a bit more comfortable.
Also very strong vibes of the workshops that Ground Gallery hosts – art is covering nearly every inch of the space, it is like an art hub, the feeling seeing all that is quite special. It is like you are in someone’s world.
So I hope that one day I can go back to the gallery and be part of the art/making of art.
The space is a magical as I expected, so I am so happy that made sure I am not imagining things.
When it comes to the party itself – there was some poetry, talks, music and jokes. Most of it covered the subject of peace and support of the Campaign Against Arms Trade.
These people care and they came together to celebrate that…
Thank you guys for answering my very straight questions, letting me be part of it and sorry if I need more time to feel comfortable around you.
The galley at the moment is on and off with the wokshops, so if you subscribe to their mailing list, you can be updated with the upcoming events, work shops.
This week of Hull City Of Culture 2017 has been full of amazing things, so I’ve heard..I wish I could be at more than on place at the time, have more time on my hands…
Let’s see where the 23rd week takes me.
LOVE
Anete Sooda
ANETE SOODA PHOTO 