Local communities sit at the heart of what we do

We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to welcome you through our doors – from creative activities, to shaping our collections. Whatever your interest, there are lots of ways to come along and get involved.

Social meet ups

We have a couple of regular, friendly meet-ups for people over 55. Join us for a cuppa and good company in our inspiring museum settings. You can explore the collections and try out a craft activity. Or enjoy music, dancing, quizzes and games.

Community Café at Streetlife Museum

Age UK at Wilberforce House Museum

Artist opportunities

Throughout the year, we have regular opportunities to showcase the talents of Hull’s local artists. Since 1967, we’ve held the Ferens Art Gallery Open Exhibition – an opportunity for amateur and professional artists to show their work in a national gallery. We also host regular artist residencies in the Artists Studio at Ferens Art Gallery.

Ferens Art Gallery Open Exhibition

Artist Residencies

Community exhibitions

We have two dedicated spaces for hosting community exhibitions. These are a great way for you to take ownership and programme the things you’d like to see for your community. We’ve had an exciting programme of activities so far. From co-curated exhibitions, to community-led displays and workshops. If you have an idea for a community exhibition, we’d love to hear from you. Visit each museum’s community page to find out more and apply.

Community at Streetlife Museum

Community at Wilberforce House Museum

Special interest groups

Whether you’re into art, archaeology or anything in between, we support.

If you have a passion for archaeology, dig into your local history with Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology. We partner with several organisations to help you take your interest further. You can find out more on the museum’s dedicated community page.

Community at Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology

Or, if art is more your thing – the Hull Museums Art Group meets every Monday afternoon at Wilberforce House Museum. Each week, members bring their own projects to work on, with advice and guidance on hand from local artist Bill Brown. Places are limited, but get in touch if you’d like to find out more or join the waiting list. Email us at museums@hcandl.co.uk, or give us a call on: 01482 300 300

Changing perspective

Bringing new narratives to Wilberforce House Museum.

Hull Museums work closely with members of the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board, which is comprised of local people of colour and members of the Black community. They bring their extensive and varied knowledge, experience and understanding to our work at Wilberforce House Museum, offering new perspectives on the subjects we cover and helping us to adapt our galleries accordingly. This includes developing our gallery that looks at the legacies of transatlantic slavery, with the help of funding from Arts Council England