Hull plans £630k investment to improve Ferens Art Gallery 3 Jun 2015

Hull City Council is hoping to spend £630k on improvements to Ferens Art Gallery before it becomes UK City of Culture in 2017.   The work will enhance the gallery environment so that it is capable of accepting national and international art exhibitions.  The Gallery has also announced that it will host the 2017 Turner Prize.  The Council has already agreed £2.7m investment in programming at the Gallery, and £100k towards a legacy programme in the city’s museums.  Stephen Brady, the leader of Hull City Council said, “These plans are already the most fundamental and far-reaching the city has seen in over 70 years and this additional funding will only enhance what we want to achieve.”  He added that capital investment in museums and the city’s theatres would “increase visitors, helping to create much-needed jobs for the area.”  Hull is raising its fundraising targets from £13.7m to £18m, a target made achievable by national partnerships, including with the British Council.  60% of the funds are already raised or agreed.

Meanwhile in a vlog for the BBC, arts commentator Will Gompertz hears a convincing case for the long term beneficial effect of the City of Culture scheme on the regeneration of cities.

A debate between the previous and current council leader in the Hull Daily Mail also reflects on the possibility of reintroducing charging for the city’s museums as well as for other services, although there are no immediate plans to charge.  Museums Journal, Hull Daily Mail (museum charges), Hull Daily Mail, BBC, Arts Professional