The ongoing commitment to culture in Hull following its year as UK City of Culture 2017 has received a boost with a £1.25m award from Arts Council England.
The money is going to Absolutely Cultured, which is the new name for the company which delivered Hull’s year of culture.
Last May the company announced plans for its programme of cultural events designed to continue to appeal to the city’s growing local audience and visitors. The programme runs through to 2021.
The first of these events, Dominoes by Station House Opera, took place on Saturday.
Katy Fuller, Creative Director and Chief Executive of Absolutely Cultured said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of the aspirations for the company and the city. We’re delighted to continue to work in close partnership with Arts Council England to prove that the City of Culture status was a catalyst for long-term change in Hull.
“With this funding in place, we can continue to push the boundaries of the ambition of the work; we will be animating the city’s outstanding outdoor spaces, introducing audiences to work they have never seen before, through new commissions, and offering artists the opportunity to take risks and develop their work.”
Lee Corner, Chair of Absolutely Cultured added: “Hull UK City of Culture 2017 was just the beginning; along with many other organisations across the city we are committed to the part we have to play in ensuring the legacy and impact is felt far into the future.
“Furthermore, underpinning all of our creative programme is a firm commitment to learning and engagement and we will continue to use the inspirational programme to drive those opportunities.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said “The tremendous success of the UK City of Culture has cemented Hull’s place as a centre for world class artistic and cultural events.
“So I’m delighted to confirm that the Arts Council will be investing a further £1.25 million in the city through a grant to Absolutely Cultured which aims to build on the achievements of 2017 and ensure that the people of Hull and visitors alike can continue to experience life-changing arts and cultural activities.”
