Keeping watch: The Hull Vigil set to begin
UNIQUE: The Hull Vigil. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography
Freedom Festival’s unique The Hull Vigil will commence tomorrow.
A different individual will keep watch at sunrise and sunset every day for a year from inside a glass and wooden shelter on the rooftop of Hull College.
Hull will become the first UK city to host the unique work when it begins at 7.30pm.
Created by Australian-Belgian choreographer Joanne Leighton, from Paris-based WLDN, over the past eight years Vigil has been running continuously in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria. It has now been commissioned by Freedom Festival for its 10th iteration in Hull.
Over the course of the year, 730 people will contribute to the collective vigil in a 365-day silent performance.
Mikey Martins, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Freedom Festival, said: “We’re incredibly excited for the start of The Hull Vigil. This is an amazing artistic project connecting the city and we’re so proud its UK debut is in Hull, as we continue to show we’re a city leading the way culturally.
KEEPING WATCH: Mikey Martins on the rooftop of Hull College. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography
“The narrative of the performance will unfold as the year progresses. While each vigil stands alone, together they form a human chain of community, humanity and resilience, which has even more significance as the world starts to reopen. The Hull Vigil is the perfect opportunity for us to take a moment to contemplate where we are and our hopes for the future.
“Each day, the participant will express their thoughts and experiences about watching over the city of Hull, with their words posted on our website as we tell the story of The Hull Vigil.”
Designed for the city by Benjamin Tovo, the structure has been built by Hull firms thanks to a partnership with Hull Esteem Consortium LEP, as companies have given their time, expertise and materials to build and install the shelter.
The ambitious project is presented as part of the Global Streets and Creative Europe IN SITU programmes and part-funded by Arts Council England. It is also supported by Hull City Council, Hull College, Hull Maritime City and Esteem.
Joanne Leighton, Choreographer and Director of WLDN, said: “Each vigil stands for us all. As a choreographer, I’m fascinated by making large scale artwork for cities that brings people together.
STUNNING: The view from The Hull Vigil. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography
“The vigil asks the question: is it the vigil watching the performance of the city or is the person in the city watching the performance of the vigil?”
A number of celebratory events will take place as part of The Hull Vigil. Every three months, sharing evenings will be hosted for the vigils and their companions.
At the end of the project, a celebration will bring all 730 participants and their companions together to reflect on and celebrate the year of The Hull Vigil.
Anthony Baker, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive of Freedom Festival, said: “With The Hull Vigil we showcase the beautiful choreography of our northern city as the sun rises and sets.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the support of our partners at Arts Council England, Hull City Council, Hull College, Hull Maritime City and Esteem for helping make The Hull Vigil possible, alongside our creative partners Global Streets and IN SITU.”