‘Art is about storytelling and expressing ideas and emotions visually so being able to do that while celebrating local history has made the project really special’
The Hull College students(Image: Hull College)
Hull College students took to the stage at a historic community space, helping to create a spectacular tribute as it marks a milestone anniversary. The Art & Design programme learners have certainly left their mark at the Maurice Rawling Community Centre, where they have unveiled a striking new mural and theatre set, celebrating the history and people of Bean Street.
The group from Hull College spent weeks working alongside the centre, supported by local artist and creative practitioner Andy Pea, to create the artistic tribute which celebrates its 40th anniversary, with a design blending local heritage with contemporary creativity. Students explored the stories of Bean Street and the surrounding neighbourhood, and have channelled their artistic talents to connect generations of residents and to celebrate the area’s identity.
The resulting mural has been inspired by artwork created when the centre first opened its doors four decades ago, delivering a colourful mural to reflect the centre’s past as well as its future. Students got to learn first-hand what it is like to work on a live commission, working to a professional brief.
Andy said: “This has been much more than an art project. It has given students the opportunity to experience what working professionally in the creative industries really looks like – managing deadlines, responding to feedback and collaborating with a range of partners and stakeholders.
“They’ve approached every stage of the project with enthusiasm and professionalism. Seeing them work within the community, creating something with a real purpose and audience, has been fantastic. Some students are already keen to continue supporting the centre and becoming involved in future projects, which says a lot about the impact this experience has had on them.”
Level 2 Art & Design student Alicia Harding said: “Being involved in a real community project has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned so much and developed skills that I didn’t have confidence in before, particularly around lettering and large-scale artwork. It’s been really exciting watching the mural evolve and knowing we’re contributing to something that connects with the history of the area.
“For me, art is about storytelling and expressing ideas and emotions visually, so being able to do that while celebrating local history has made the project really special.”
Meanwhile, Level 3 Acting students at the college contributed to a theatrical production, exploring life in one of Hull’s historic fishing communities. The Ballad of Bean Street, written by Hull playwright Gill Adams, tells the story of a family across the decades following the Second World War, capturing the experiences, ambitions and resilience of families who helped shape the area.
Local actors and singers are combined with recorded performances from Hull College Level 3 Acting students, against an atmospheric backdrop designed, built, and painted by the college’s Level 2 Art & Design students. Performances will take place at Maurice Rawling Community Centre on Thursday July 2 and Friday July 3, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-feel basis, with all proceeds supporting the work of the community centre.
Gill Adams said: “Working alongside both sets of students has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable creative experiences I’ve had for a long time. Bringing together storytelling, sound, and performance created a completely different challenge for them and they embraced it brilliantly.
“At its heart, this is a multimedia, promenade-style performance, with audiences positioned around the action. It’s like bringing a Lowry painting to life – full of movement, atmosphere, and layered storytelling. The students form the core of the narrative, especially the acting students whose storylines link the past and present together. They are the structure that holds everything in place.
“It’s a pay-what-you-can event, which makes it accessible while also helping support the continued work of the centre. Most importantly, the students will be there – and their names will be right at the heart of it. They’ve been amazing throughout.”
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