“Hullywood Icons” was a large-scale, socially engaged photography project that captured the heart and soul of Hull during its tenure as the UK City of Culture in 2017. This ambitious project, conceived and led by artist Quentin Budworth, reimagined iconic scenes from Hollywood films, casting the people of Hull and the East Riding as the stars. The project culminated in a series of high-profile exhibitions across the city, including prominent outdoor projections that transformed Hull’s urban landscape into a vibrant celebration of community and joyful creativity.

Client: Hull City Council / City of Culture
Funder: Arts Council England, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Objectives:

• To create a highly participatory and engaging public art project that celebrated Hull’s identity during its year as UK City of Culture.
• To involve a diverse range of residents in a creative process that fostered community spirit and civic pride.
• To produce a series of high-quality photographic images that would capture national attention and leave a lasting legacy.
• To transform the city of Hull through large-scale public art.

Methodology:

Quentin Budworth’s approach to “Hullywood Icons” exemplifies his commitment to social engagement, co-authorship, and community empowerment. The project was built on the following principles:

• Open Call and Inclusivity: An open call was issued to the public, inviting residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate. This ensured that the project truly reflected the diversity of Hull’s population. Social media was used to promote the project.
• Co-creation and Collaboration: Participants were not merely subjects but active collaborators in the creative process. They worked closely with Budworth to select iconic movie scenes, choose locations, and develop the visual narrative.
• Skill-Sharing and Empowerment: Budworth provided guidance and technical expertise throughout the project, empowering participants with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of photography.
• Community Storytelling: The project became a platform for sharing personal stories and memories, connecting the chosen film scenes to the lived experiences of the people of Hull.
• Large-Scale Public Display: The resulting photographs were exhibited prominently throughout the city, including large-scale projections on landmark buildings. This transformed the urban environment into an open-air gallery, accessible to all.

Results:

“Hullywood Icons” was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations:

• Mass Participation: The project engaged hundreds of residents, creating a palpable sense of excitement and community involvement across the city.
• Critical Acclaim: The project garnered widespread media attention, both locally and nationally, highlighting Hull’s vibrant cultural scene.
• City-Wide Transformation: The large-scale projections transformed Hull’s urban landscape, creating a unique and memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.
• Lasting Legacy: “Hullywood Icons” left a lasting legacy, not only in the form of the stunning photographic images but also in the strengthened community bonds and the shared memories created during the project. It has become an iconic part of the history of the city.

Testimonials:

“Quentin’s ability to connect with people and bring out their creativity is truly remarkable. ‘Hullywood Icons’ was more than just a photography project; it was a celebration of our city and its people.” – Councillor, Hull City Council

“Being a part of ‘Hullywood Icons’ was an unforgettable experience. I never thought I’d see myself on the side of a building! It made me so proud to be from Hull.” – Project Participant

Why This Case Study is Effective:

• Highlights Social Engagement: It clearly demonstrates your commitment to social engagement, co-authorship, and community empowerment.
• Showcases Key Skills: It showcases your skills in project management, photography, community engagement, and large-scale public art.
• Demonstrates Impact: It provides tangible evidence of the project’s success, including mass participation, critical acclaim, and lasting legacy.
• Includes Testimonials: Testimonials add a human touch and provide social proof of your abilities.
• Connects to Your Philosophy: It aligns perfectly with the principles outlined in your working methodology and philosophy.
• Includes a link to the website: This allows any potential client to look in more detail at the project.

Website Integration:

• Create a dedicated page for this case study on your website.
• Include high-quality images from the project.
• Embed a video if available or link to relevant media coverage.
• Link to the “Hullywood Icons” website https://hullywoodicons.com/
• Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon.
• Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.