Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery is opening its doors after dark for a special programme of events aimed at encouraging younger audiences to the gallery.
Ferens Late is a co-production between Ferens Art Gallery and Future Ferens – a group of young creatives aged between 16 and 25.
The first late is on Friday 1 November with an LGBQTIA+ friendly event that will explore identity through drag, live-art, reading and performance.
AJA, known for her captivating and confrontational performances in the electronic music underground scene, will be performing live on the night and there will be spoken word from The Warren Youth Project.
Artist Anna Bean will stage an identity workshop and Reading Rooms, from Hull Libraries, will stimulate thoughts and ideas through specially selected poems and short stories exploring identity.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “Ferens Art Gallery is a special place and we want to make sure that we are making it accessible and inviting for all audiences.
“These Ferens Late events are a fantastic way of encouraging younger people to explore the gallery and also, through Future Ferens, encourage young people to use the gallery to explore their own art and interests.”
The Ferens exhibition Reflection, which features more than 120 artworks from artists such as Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, Henry Moore and Bridget Riley, will also be showcased as part of Ferens Late.
Chrys Bavey, the vice-chair of Friends of the Ferens Art Gallery, said:
“The Friends of the Ferens are excited to be supporting the programme of Ferens Late.
“We hope that these events can engage new and diverse audiences to the gallery, through the work of the Future Ferens. The event on 1 November will be an opportunity for young people to take ownership of the gallery after hours, get inspiration from the Reflection exhibition and explore and celebrate their identity.”
The first Ferens Late will take palace on Friday 1 November between 7pm and 9pm. It is a free and unticketed drop-in event.
The full programme of Ferens Lates will be announced at a later date.
