Transforming cultures and communities

Culture changes lives and transforms futures

Our research is transforming cultures and communities across the region and beyond

The eyes of the world took in Hull’s year in the cultural spotlight in 2017. Communities engaged with arts and events in ways they’d never before experienced. Relationships were built, connections made and opportunities discovered. But one year does not a legacy make. The University of Hull has been living and breathing cultural transformations for years, bringing together the lived experience with empirical insights to help inform future policy-makers. Here are just some of our strengths.

What is Hull without migration?

A lifetime's research by University of Hull historian Dr Nick Evans was brought to life in spectacular fashion as part of Hull's City of Culture celebrations.

What started as a book chapter capturing years of research into the history of Hull and migration became a cornerstone of Made in Hull, the stunning opening event which kicked off a year of events.

Made in Hull

Sierra Leone

Researchers at the University of Hull’s Wilberforce Institute are helping to tackle slavery in Sierra Leone – by utilising the power of culture.

The team will implement and develop arts initiatives in Hull’s twin city, Freetown, to help raise awareness of the triggers that can lead to people becoming trapped in modern-day slavery.

Read the article

Spotlight on the Culture, Policy and Place Institute

In 2013 it was announced that Hull had been successful in its bid to become the UK City of Culture for 2017.

The announcement set the city upon a four-year culture-led journey, intended to boost economic activity, promote social wellbeing and learning, build positive perceptions and foster civic pride. The journey has been one of planning, negotiation, building partnerships, delivery, and finally monitoring and review.

At the end of a phenomenal year, it is time to look back and reflect upon the purpose, the processes and the outcomes of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, and ultimately to ask, how can Hull’s experience inform culture-led regeneration and policy in the future?

365 days. One unforgettable year.

Hull 2017. So what was that all about? Take a look for yourself. And we're only just getting started.

Cultural Transformations - The Impacts of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 report

Culture, Place and Policy Institute

Shaping the future of arts

From leading playwrights to Grammy winners, our graduates are pushing the boundaries of arts and culture

James Graham

Arts in Hull have gone from strength to strength, and our graduates are shining lights in this important scene.

Carys Tavener

From music gigs to theatrical performances, our students are preparing to be the artists of the future.

David Bowie Showcase

Our cultural experts

Professor Franco Bianchini

Franco Bianchini is Professor of Cultural Policy and Planning – and Director of the Culture, Place and Policy Institute – at the University of Hull. From 2007-2016 he was Professor of Cultural Policy and Planning at Leeds Beckett University.

Meet our experts

Study the Arts at Hull

We are very proud of the range of programmes and fantastic facilities available for our Arts students. For more information about Arts programmes at Hull…

Arts programmes

Our facilities