New curator to manage next stage of Humber Street Gallery development
NEW CURATOR: David McLeavy
Cultural development organisation Absolutely Cultured has appointed a new curator, David McLeavy, who will join in March.
Mr McLeavy, who grew up in Hull, will manage the next phase of Humber Street Gallery’s evolution to become a vibrant creative centre; developing and organising an active and varied programme of exhibitions, performances and events for a wide range of audiences both within the venue and beyond.
Over the coming years, Absolutely Cultured intend to use the gallery as a venue that hosts a broader range of art, such as dance and music, alongside a range of classes and events for people to try different creative activities, it said.
Stephen Munn, CEO and artistic director of Absolutely Cultured, said: “We recognise the importance of Humber Street Gallery for the visual arts offer in the region, and we want to uphold that, but we also have exciting plans to broaden what people can come and experience in the spaces.
“In addition, we want to make these spaces more available for local and regional artists. Discussions have started with a number of organisations and individuals about how we can do all this in the future, and we're looking forward to having David and his arts experience on board to take these plans forward.”
Since 2017, Mr McLeavy has been director of the contemporary arts organisation Bloc Projects in Sheffield. Amid a variety of other projects, he is also the founder and editor of the web platform Young Artists in Conversation, which has been running since 2013, and hosts interviews with emerging artists and creatives from across the UK and further afield.
Mr McLeavy said: “It's an exciting opportunity to work with the team to develop and deliver a series of ambitious and multi-artform projects in a city that is so close to my heart.
“I am looking forward to getting to know audiences, artists and venues across the city and playing a part in championing the creative spirit of Hull.”
The gallery’s doors are currently closed temporarily due to government restrictions for the Covid-19 pandemic, but the team is looking forward to welcoming visitors back and seeing what they think of these changes, such as the newly renovated Gallery Café, as they begin to take shape.
For updates on opening dates and times, follow social media channels at @AbsCultured.