Meet our Model City ambassadors
As part of our Model City project, running from this month through to February, we’ve enlisted the help of some of our wonderful volunteers to act as Model City ambassadors.
They will be integral to the process; assisting in our workshops with the local children, learning about curation and city planning, as well as having a strong presence during our soundscape’s installation in February 2020.
We want to introduce you to some of our Model City ambassadors, and give you the chance to learn more about why they became involved in volunteering and why they care so much about this project.
Ray
What prompted me to become a Volunteer?
I have lived and worked around the world. My experience is that I have found volunteering is one of the best ways to get to learn about a town/city and getting to know the local people. I am not from Hull, so when my wife and I moved here in 2018 it was quite natural for me to look for volunteering opportunities. At the time, Absolutely Cultured were recruiting a new wave of volunteers. I love new experiences and meeting people, so it was a ‘no brainer’ to apply. I was delighted to be accepted and I love the wide range of opportunities it has afforded me. The added bonus is I have met some lovely people and I now have an additional family group – Absolutely Cultured!
Why did I sign up to be a Model City ambassador?
I think Hull is a great place to live, but there are people here who view it in a negative light. I was intrigued by this project with children looking at our city through their own eyes and expressing it with their own words. They are quite naturally the future and to have the opportunity of working alongside them and hearing what they see and think is not only fascinating, but important. It will be a privilege and, I’m sure, a great experience.
What are my hopes for the city in the future?
That it will grow into a city that everyone, no matter where they live in Hull, will be proud. I would want future generations to live in an environmentally friendly city with clean air and streets, That investment continues to grow and providing diverse career opportunities that will ensure the younger generation do not have to move away to further their careers. For everyone to know about, and be proud of, Hull’s historical and cultural heritage.
Sarah and Austin
What prompted me to become a Volunteer?
Austin: I love Hull and 2017 was amazing, we did lots of things for Hull UK City of Culture 2017.
Sarah: For me, I became a volunteer at the amazing start to 2017 and wanted to be part of the journey and transformation of Hull.
Why did I sign up to be a Model City ambassador?
Austin: I want to make the city better for the future.
Sarah: I signed up to be a Model City ambassador as I feel children are the future and we need to tap into their aspirations, hopes and dreams when they are young – so that they can be a part of the journey, the transformation and feel a part of their city and feel pride in it.
What are my hopes for the city in the future?
Austin: For the future of Hull, I want people to be happier and be just like one big team.
Sue
What prompted me to become a Volunteer?
I became a volunteer in order to give something back and at the same time introduce people to my city and all it has to offer; I love my city.
Why did I sign up to be a Model City ambassador?
Model City sounded like a lovely opportunity to enable a younger generation, to look at the city through their eyes and use their imagination to see into their hopes and dreams for its, and their, futures.
What are my hopes for the city in the future?
I wish for that future to be cleaner, healthier and as up to date in as many ways as possible with opportunities galore; I hope that tolerance, community and inclusion are high on the priority list.