A fun night was had by all at the launch of the new Turning The Tide exhibition at the Brynmor Jones Library, University of Hull.
On the evening of 8th September over 80 people attended the exhibition space at the Brynmor Jones Library to celebrate the launch of the exhibition which explores the importance of the role of women in the renewable energy sector.
Through an exciting partnership with the Women’s 100 Movement, a dance project commemorating 100 years of female suffrage in 2028, Turning The Tide aims to tell a different story about the role of women in industry past, present and future – by making it beautiful, as well as functional. The aim is to attract more women into the new, exciting, revolutionary renewables industry, which has such a strong base in the Humber region.
Through the medium of dance, fifteen ‘angels of the north’ express the power, beauty, strength and potential of the offshore wind industry. Several of the ‘angels’ are women who work in or around the industry already and where in attendance at the launch.
On arrival guests where greeted with a glass of prosseco or elderflower fizz to enjoy as the they walked through the exhibtion. Guests where then transported into the exhibition by the draw of the soft lighting and the enchanting melodic music, the theme track to the film which you can hear as you explore the numerous displays, stories and photographs. The first piece of art you see is a display of all the ‘angels’ feet which have been cast in clay, which subliminally allows you to follow in the footsteps of the dancers.
Fred Garland, Director of the Hull-based Tenfoot Dance Company, who choreographed the project, said that Turning The Tide has been a great success in bringing together community and industry to highlight some of the challenges faced within industry. She added
“The Brynmor Jones exhibition space offers a beautiful backdrop for the story I have created of this future-oriented industry. Through dance and movement, I wanted to explore the story of this new source of power on our shores, and highlight the opportunities available for women to be part of it in a creative and beautiful way.”
“I have added extra pieces into the exhibition to showcase the females taking part in the project to tell their story, and there were some fascinating stories to tell of resilience, strength, adversity and pregnancy! I wanted to highlight these characteristics within the exhibition so as to strengthen the message of what qualities females can bring to STEM positions”
During the evening we heard from Louise Smith, Director of Aura who introduced the exhibition and Professor Becky Huxley-Binns, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Hull, both of whom took part as dancers within the project.
In her welcome note, Professor Huxley-Binns, said that Turning the Tide brings a different perspective to the importance of girls studying STEM subjects. She said
“It embraces creativity and art to tell the importance of the STEM journey. The dance, film and exhibition should inspire people to consider a career in the energy sector as we work towards meeting net zero targets. We hope it inspires women and girls to consider educational pathways to embrace STEM and regard it as a viable career option for them,” she said. “The number of girls studying STEM drops so much at the age of 16, and we see that downward trend into their future careers. But the STEM world is inclusive and diverse, exciting and world changing, as are the range of courses and programmes we offer at the University of Hull. We are delighted to be involved in this very important project.”
On visiting the exhibition guests also have the opportunity to view the film which was filmed in locations around the Humber, including The Deep, the Humber Bridge, Hull Minster and Hessle’s Aura Innovation Centre as well as at the Siemens wind turbine factory.
The exhibition is on display at the Brynmor Jones Library until 20th October and is free to attend with no need to pre-book. We would encourage anyone with an interest in STEM careers, equality, the renewable energy sector, the creative arts and beauty to attend – you will not be disappointed.
A limited number of free private tours, with talks by the director and choreographer, are also available for organisations such as community and social groups who have an interest in these subjects. Please contact us for more details.
Click here for more information and opening times.