City of Culture 2017: Speakers' Corner gets a 21st century reboot as new work unveiled in Hull

A major new commission challenging the way people see and experience public spaces has been unveiled in Hull as its City of Culture 2017 programme continues.
Artist Michael Pinsky and poet Dean Wilson on the first night of The City Speaks. Picture: Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures LtdArtist Michael Pinsky and poet Dean Wilson on the first night of The City Speaks. Picture: Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures Ltd
Artist Michael Pinsky and poet Dean Wilson on the first night of The City Speaks. Picture: Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures Ltd

Poet Dean Wilson and artist Michael Pinksy spent Thursday evening reading poetry, which was translated to text and relayed on the west tower supporting Hull’s Tidal Surge Barrier.

It is part of The City Speaks, an interactive artwork that contributes to Look Up – the 12-month project challenging ideas about public spaces.

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The artwork is designed to function as a 21st century Speakers’ Corner in which open-air public speaking takes on epic proportions.

A steel lectern located on the quayside of Humber Dock provides the platform for members of the public to broadcast their thoughts and feelings during 2017.

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Captured by microphone, the words are then translated into text and displayed on the tower.

The work by British artist Pinsky is the the second in a series of major commissions installed as part of Look Up.

It follows on from Blade, a 250ft-long wind turbine blade erected across Queen Victoria Square last month.

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