From Anger into Action
16 Mar 23Image Description: A group of UNION 23 participants standing and crouching in a group.
UNION 23 Weekend 2 in Hull
And so on to the second UNION 23 weekend in Hull. Hull-based participants Sarah Pennington, Lauren Saunders, Liz Dees, and Monika Dutta co-created the weekend’s activities with the UNION core team around their suggested theme of DIY Activism: From Anger into Action.
Day 1 – Landing and socialising
Friday’s food was a classic Hull chippy tea complete with patties at Goldenfry (who were totally amazing by staying open late and letting us take over their upstairs room!).
We then headed out on a Hull walking tour led by Mike Covell around the themes of resistance, activism, independence, rebellion, and socialism. Incorporating historic rebellious aspects of Hull to inspire modern artists and activism.
Our main accommodation for the weekend was Hull Trinity Backpackers. It was important to us to book accommodation that was independent and local, we had a great stay with Glenn who was super friendly and helpful.
Day 2
We started our day at Hull Artist Research Initiative (HARI) before heading out in groups for visits to DIY, Activist and Alternative Education spaces:
There was also an opportunity to get involved with the International Women’s Day event taking place at HARI.
Image Description: 3 posters on a wall
After the visits, we headed over to Jubilee Church for a Change Makers’ afternoon with lunch by the always wonderful Zoo Cafe (a Hull must!). We were joined by 30 local artists and activists who we’re invited to share food and thoughts on the following theme and questions:
From Frustration to Communication, from Anger to Action
Inspired by Hull’s rebellious past, its activist and creative present, how do we create a truly revolutionary future?
What next for the DIY culture and alternative learning initiatives in the city and what is our role in moving forward?
Check out some of the discussions…
Image Description: Post it notes and writing on white tablecloths
After the success of the first weekend’s Open Mic event at Chapel FM we were really excited to do it again in Hull, this time at the legendary New Adelphi Club! The Hull participants invited local artists and activists to share music, spoken word, rants, dance, inspirational reading, or participatory activity accompanied by The Confessional.
Image Description: Posters and a large ‘New Adelphi Club’ logo on a red wall
Image Description: 2 people with guitars on stage, in blue light, with the crowd facing them
Day 3
On Sunday we spent the day at Hull ScrapStore.
Our theme for the day was From Protest to Prefiguration. Sunday was a day for the participants to reflect on their practice and issues that are important to them.
We created posters and protest signs about injustices that get under our skin then flipped this and tried to imagine a future where this no longer exists, thinking about:
- How does it feel around the two sets?
- What emotions are elicited?
- What do you notice about your energy?
Image Description: protest signs spread out on a grey floor
From this we went into some journaling and wellbeing sessions before delving into The Two Loops Model, by walking and talking in pairs whilst exploring the local area the participants reflected on:
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- What (if anything) am I birthing?
- What (if anything) am I hospicing?
A busy and reflective weekend! Well done to the Hull participants for co-creating an informative and personal weekend.
