Project Overview:

The Changing Face of Hull was a mass participation photography project that captured the diversity, resilience, and spirit of the people of Hull. Led by artist Quentin Budworth, the project invited residents to contribute their own photographic portraits, creating a collective self-portrait of the city. The Changing Face of Hull culminated in a major exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery and a dedicated website, providing a powerful and moving snapshot of Hull in a time of change.

Client: Ferens Art Gallery

Objectives:

• To create a participatory and inclusive photography project that engaged a wide cross-section of Hull’s population.
• To explore themes of identity, community, and belonging through the lens of portrait photography.
• To produce a high-quality photographic exhibition that reflected the diversity and character of the city.
• To create an online platform where the portraits could be shared and viewed by a wider audience.
• To foster a sense of civic pride and celebrate the people who make Hull unique.

Methodology:

Quentin Budworth’s approach to The Changing Face of Hull embodies his core principles of social engagement, co-authorship, and community empowerment. The methodology included:

• Open Call and Accessibility: The project was open to everyone in Hull, regardless of age, background, or photographic experience. An open call was promoted through various channels, ensuring broad participation. The project was launched on 14th January 2009 with a press release and a small exhibition in the Ferens Foyer.
• Co-creation and Shared Ownership: Participants were encouraged to take their own portraits, giving them creative control and ownership over their representation in the project.
• Community Focus: The project emphasised the interconnectedness of individuals within the larger community, highlighting the diverse faces that make up the city of Hull.
• Digital Platform for Engagement: A dedicated website (https://thechangingface.org/) was created to showcase the portraits, providing an accessible platform for participants and a wider audience to engage with the project. The blog section was particularly active, with Budworth providing regular updates, reflections, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the project’s development.
• High-Profile Exhibition: The culmination of the project was a major exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery, a prestigious venue, further validating the participants’ contributions and celebrating the collective portrait of the city. The exhibition ran from 25th July to 31st August.

Results:

The Changing Face of Hull was a significant success, achieving its objectives and more:

• Extensive Participation: The project engaged a large number of Hull residents, with over 500 portraits submitted by the end of May, as documented in the blog.
• Community Building: The project fostered a sense of community and shared identity among participants. The blog highlights the connections made between individuals and the growing sense of collective ownership over the project.
• Critical Recognition: The exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery was well-received. The blog mentions positive feedback from visitors and the local press, including a potential feature in The Guardian.
• Online Engagement: The dedicated website and its active blog provided a lasting platform for the portraits and documented the project’s evolution. Budworth’s reflections on the blog offer valuable insights into the project’s impact and the power of participatory art.
• Lasting Social Impact: The Changing Face of Hull contributed to a positive narrative about Hull, celebrating its people and fostering a sense of civic pride. The blog reveals the project’s role in capturing a moment of transition for the city and its residents. The project received additional funding from the BBC, which was used to produce promotional materials, including postcards and carrier bags that were distributed at community events.
• Exhibition Details: The exhibition featured around 500 portraits displayed in various formats, including a slideshow of 100 images projected onto a large screen, a lightbox showcasing all submissions, and several themed displays.

Testimonials:

(While the blog doesn’t contain direct testimonials, we can infer positive feedback from the entries. Here are some hypothetical examples, and it would be great to add real quotes if you have them):

“Being part of ‘The Changing Face of Hull’ was a wonderful experience. It made me feel connected to my community in a new way.” – Project Participant

“The exhibition was a powerful testament to the diversity and spirit of the people of Hull. Quentin’s vision and leadership were instrumental in its success.” – Representative, Ferens Art Gallery

“I really enjoyed following the project’s progress on the blog. It was great to see how it evolved and how many people got involved.” – Website Visitor