Tag: #rootsandroutes

Hull City Of Culture 2017, Uncategorized

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 22

by anetesooda1 Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 22

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.

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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

Hull City Of Culture 2017

MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 9

by anetesoodaLeave a Comment on MY CITY OF CULTURE – MY HULL – WEEK 9

Week 9 of Hull City Of Culture arrived with the new edition of two seasons – Roots&Routes and Freedom.
This year will be over before we know it [good reason why to get involved ASAP]
Week started off busy and exciting. And then I got bad cold. The cold drained me through the week, all the work commitments couldn’t wait, but I was hoping that the week 9 plan will go ahead.

And it did. I pulled through and went ahead with meeting two City Of Culture volunteers – Linda and Carol.

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The reason why I asked Linda and her sister Carol was the enthusiasm and involvement in the year long celebration – City Of Culture. Not even that they volunteers – sisters are getting cultured on a weekly basis by attending numerous events.

It was in early stages of my challenge that I wanted to celebrate the army of volunteers, finding those who would like to share their story.

There are around 3,000 volunteers and 28 different types of volunteering roles. Volunteers and their colourful and beautiful uniforms across the city gives a good feel that we are all in it together, we are celebrating together.

I arranged to meet them in the Hull Paragon Interchange after their shift at The Blade.

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Whilst waiting, for the first time I stepped my foot in to The Welcome Pod  – its like a Hull City Of Culture rainbow full of information and a smiley face of a volunteer happy to help.

Linda and Carol where near the The Welcome Pod [not so secret meeting spot] waiting and we headed off for a chat.

We went into the nearest coffee shop and my plan was to sweeten them up before I start asking millions of questions.

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Sisters are very lovely and chatty, we feel like we know each other for many years and the discussion around  City Of Culture comes out really naturally – at the end of the day – we all work around City Of Culture out of true passion – not as an obligation.

Why did you get involved in volunteering for City Of Culture?

Linda: I went to the Place des Anges in Queens Gardens back in July and felt the pride and excitement for the upcoming year. I wanted to do something positive. Also – it is a once in a life opportunity.

Carol: The reason why I  signed up to volunteer is because I am from Hull and I feel responsible to be welcoming and celebrate the good things about Hull. The year was promising and I wanted to be part of it.

What is the best thing about being Hull City Of Culture volunteer?

Carol: It is so amazing that we are part of it, so that for me is the best thing. The volunteers are well looked after – training is given, very flexible shift opportunities, no pressure and we get provided with uniforms.

Linda: It was the Made in Hull where I volunteered and I will never forget that feeling – seeing the pride in peoples faces. It was an uplifting feeling and all the negative comments made in media before the year started, was wiped away. We were proud to be from Hull and living in Hull.
And so many people from other parts of UK are coming just to see the events – wonderful feeling. And  a lot visitors said that they would definitely like to come back to the city.

Carol: Another great thing is the opportunity to meet other volunteers. There are so many people along the way, everyone different – different background, story, area they come from.

Also, whilst volunteering you get to speak with different people from Hull – people that you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

Linda: I have noticed that being a City Of Culture volunteer and wearing the uniform gives me a boost and confidence to communicate with people.

Carol and Linda: We are finally seeing that people from other areas are changing the perception about Hull. We are no longer the underdogs of the North, we have something to offer – great platform for businesses, artists, education.

What is/was your favourite venue/place to volunteer?

Linda: Basil Kirchin festival. It was something different and I was able to meet interesting people, some of them artists. I also found out that Kirchin died at Dove House Hospice [Linda works in Dove House] and he had a great connection with the hospice.
Also the music genre was new to me. I really enjoyed it.

Carol: The Welcome Pod. You never know who is going to come and ask questions so I have to be ready to step out of my comfort zone and speak to people.

In your view, what legacy will 2017 leave for Hull?

Linda and Carol: PRIDE. Hull has always been a little shy, we are used to put ourselves down, but deep down we are proud that we are from Hull. Now things will definitely change.

Carol: This year gives the opportunity to find out more about the city we live in and we will continue to embrace it even when 2017 finishes.

Linda: It will be good for the economy  – before Hull had to beg for businesses to come over, but things have changed now.
Hull has great platform for businesses, artists.

Carol: During 2017 people from Hull will have tried different things – for the future everyone will be more open-minded. The city will thrive.

 

Thirty minutes I spent with Linda and Carol made my day, my week.And I had that feeling again-proud.

It is quite funny – how many time I have written the word pride or proud in the 9 weeks I have been doing this..countless. Did we really needed the title “City Of Culture” to tell everyone how proud we are in Hull, about Hull.

Thank you Linda and Carol for spending time with me. Thank you for sharing your stories.

 

POST SCRIPTUM.

There was two other things on that day:

In House of Fraser you can find the Hull City Of Culture Merchandise Concession. You can get pretty much everything city of culture and it looks bright and colourful. Sean, who is managing the shop, is a great artist to talk with by the way..

Second: The Hull Paragon Interchange has its own fingerprints of Hull City Of Culture.

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