HEY Creative today launches a new report that makes eight recommendations to advance Hull & East Yorkshire’s arts, culture and heritage on the global stage.
The report maps an impressive network of over 50 collaborations across 30 countries. From grassroots exchanges to major institutional partnerships, Hull & East Yorkshire is already globally engaged and is primed for further ambitious collaboration.
Click here to read the full report – or find out more below.
Beyond the cultural sector
The report identifies opportunities to build on established international relationships in areas like trade, education and civic life. It creates space for new, cross-sector partnerships that reflect the region’s geography, history and outward-looking ambition. In particular, the report identifies Flanders (Belgium), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Fengtai (China) and the University of the Arctic (Finland) as priority areas for future development.
“We welcome the launch of this new report, which will support Hull & East Yorkshire to explore and unlock important international cultural and cross-sector connections. Building on the region’s resolutely international outlook, the report’s eight recommendations can help all in the sector – from the grassroots to large institutions – to align around a shared vision, forge meaningful partnerships and unlock growth for arts, culture and heritage organisations in Hull & East Yorkshire.”
– Cortina Butler, Global Head of Arts, British Council
About the report
Launched to coincide with the 10th World Summit on Arts and Culture, the report was funded by British Council and undertaken by KADA Research. It was shaped by key partners including informed by regional consultation and shaped by key partners including Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull and Future Humber. The report is intended for use by everyone across the cultural landscape – from independent artists and grassroots groups to funded organisations and major institutions.
What next?
The whole cultural sector is encouraged to support the recommendations, with HEY Creative committing to develop three in particular over the next 12 months:
- Work in partnership to develop a Hull & East Yorkshire action plan for cultural and cross-sector international collaboration
- Nurture soft power by encouraging, arranging and participating in international trade delegations, visits or exchanges
- Develop assets that showcase international collaboration and that provide practical support and guidance to those seeking to participate
“Arts and culture are powerful connectors, not only between communities but between sectors. This report makes clear that by working together, business and culture can thrive, artistically and commercially. The report presents a compelling vision and practical steps as to how our region can grow its global influence and identity.”
– Dominic Gibbons, Chair of HEY Creative and Managing Director, Wykeland Group
Join us for Humber Business Week
The full report, and a one page summary, are available online here. Physical copies will be available at a special event at Hull Truck Theatre on Wednesday 4th June.
Businesses and cultural organisations are invited to join the one year celebration of the Hull & East Yorkshire Creative Charter at Hull Truck Theatre, where they can learn more about the report and express interest in getting involved with the recommendations. Book your free ticket here.
In the same week as our local launch, the report will also be shared at the University of the Arctic 2025 Congress, signalling Hull & East Yorkshire’s growing presence on the global stage – and HEY Creative’s commitment to the four identified regions.
Get involved
The report was commissioned by HEY Creative, an Arts Council England Cultural Compact that supports Hull & East Yorkshire’s cultural sector to grow through cross-sector partnerships spanning business, education, healthcare and more.
To express interest in supporting the report’s recommendations or to get involved in future collaborations, email info@hey-creative.co.uk or join the HEY Creative Business Week Event: http://oneyear-creativecharter.eventbrite.com