Hull migrants share their journeys through artwork

Learners who have moved to Hull from other countries have created an art instillation to represent their unique journeys to the city.

The Homelands project invited people who had moved to live in Hull from abroad to attend 10 three-hour workshops, at which they created a 6ft-by-4ft piece of artwork depicting flags from around the world and the journeys they had travelled.

The artwork is now on display at the Endeavour Learning and Skills Centre in Beverley Road, Hull.

The project, which was funded by the National Lottery, took place from May to July last year. It was run by Hull Training and Adult Education tutors to help to show the range of learning available from the Local Authority service.

Learners shared personal, varied stories on why they left their homelands to come to live in Hull and then used their art skills to bring their stories to life.

The diverse group included migrants and those who were already Hull residents. It was designed to show how working together can bring communities closer and create stronger understanding between different cultures. Many participants said taking part had helped to make them more aware of different cultures and had made them more confident in themselves and with others.

Councillor Phil Webster, Portfolio Holder for Learning, Skills and Safeguarding Children, said: “This project was a fantastic way for learners in Hull to proudly show where they are from and the journeys they have taken.

“Hull Training and Adult Education is always looking for ways to provide creative outlets for the city’s learners. The service continues to deliver high-quality training and education to residents.”

Participants will be allowed to enrol on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.

The project was supported by organisations including the Red Cross, Open Doors, The Gateway Project, Hull Libraries, the Refugee Council and the city’s sports centres.

Hull Training and Adult Education helps thousands of learners a year to pick up new career skills, improve their ability to read, write or speak and learn how to better use maths or computers.