What can you do with cardboard boxes? By now, I think you may have come to the conclusion, that I've done quite a lot! Hull Freedom Festival is an annual event that attracts a variety of performers, and avant garde events, one of which was, 'The People's Tower'. Built by volunteers over the period of one week, assembled from thousands of cardboard boxes. it was demolished again in mass celebration at the end of the festival.
The concept was the idea of its creator, French artist Olivier Grossetête, and has been created and demolished, in various forms around the world, including Glastonbury Festival, Sydney Festival and Marseilles, when it was European Capital of Culture 2013.
The build of the tower happened in stages, with workshops held at Hull School of Art and Design and I was lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the build. Olivier provided the concept and members of his team initially guided us through the build, supervising the production of the 1200 ‘bricks’ needed for the structure, It was great working alongside a professional artist, especially when we got to work with Olivier on the assembly of the tower.
The giant structure was erected in Queens Gardens with the help of thousands of people of all ages, and then ruthlessly knocked to the ground!
FREEDOM FESTIVAL - (HULL)
