Freedom Festival chief Mikey Martins leaves for new role in the Netherlands

DEPARTING: Mikey Martins, CEO and artistic director of Freedom Festival Arts Trust

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Mikey Martins, who has led Hull’s Freedom Festival for the last nine years, is stepping down to take on a new role in the Netherlands.

Mikey, the CEO and artistic director of Freedom Festival Arts Trust, is to become festival director of the prestigious Oerol Festival on the island of Terschelling in the north of the Netherlands.

As well as running Freedom, Hull’s landmark arts festival, since 2015, he also launched another hugely successful international annual arts festival in the city, The Awakening, two years ago.

Mikey also delivered the UK premiere of the Hull Vigil in 2021-22, a performance that involved 730 participants watching over the city for an entire year.

His final curated event in Hull will be the 2024 Freedom Festival, to be held between August 28 and September 1, which will feature “a lineup of innovative acts sure to captivate audiences and enhance the festival’s legacy”.

Mike said: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together at Freedom Festival, and I am confident that the organisation will continue to thrive under new leadership.

IMPACT: Freedom Festival in 2021

“I am grateful for the support of the community, partners, and sponsors, and I look forward to watching the festival’s continued success.”

Trish Dalby, vice chair of Freedom Festival Arts Trust spoke of her gratitude for Mikey’s “invaluable contribution” and said: “Mikey leaves a strong and committed team who will continue the energy and vision that he has brought to the Freedom Festival.

“We wish him every success in his next adventure, knowing that he has been instrumental in making Hull’s Freedom Festival a pivotal cultural event in the national and international cultural diary.”

The Freedom Festival was inspired by the reformist legacy of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce and was first staged in 2007.

Since Mikey's appointment in 2015, the annual Freedom Festival has evolved into one of the most esteemed international arts festivals in the country.

Renowned for its impactful exploration of themes related to social justice and commitment to arts participation, the festival under Mikey’s stewardship has become synonymous with the celebration and examination of the concept of freedom.

MAGICAL: The Awakening in 2023

Mikey’s strategic vision and commitment to relevance were particularly evident during the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, where the arts trust successfully transitioned to an online programme, keeping the spirit of Freedom Festival alive.

The trust’s impact on the local community and economy has been substantial.

In 2023 alone, an estimated £4m was spent within the local economy. The Freedom on Tour programme also saw international companies touring outside the city, expanding the festival's reach and influence.

Since 2015, the organisation has supported more than 400 artists, commissioned more than 120 new creative projects, engaged over 9,000 local participants, and involved more than 700 volunteers in various events.

The Awakening, which celebrates the spring equinox and draws on Hull’s maritime heritage, folklore and mythology, drew over 100,000 people to the city centre on each of its last two outings.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Mikey for all the tremendous work he has done leading the Freedom Festival since joining us here in Hull nine years ago.

NEW HORIZONS: Mikey Martins at the site of The Vigil in 2021

“The festival’s international stature and reputation has grown significantly in that time, which is testament to Mikey’s dedication to making this one of the best arts and cultural festivals in the country.

“Freedom is now so much more than just the annual summer event. It has helped put Hull on the map nationally and internationally, while also seeing a boost for the local economy.

“While we will all be sorry to see Mikey depart, we wish him well for the future and know the festival and Hull has benefited from his time with us.”

The trust said the announcement of new leadership “is eagerly anticipated and will be shared shortly”.