After 31 years as City Arts Officer/ Arts and Culture Manager at Hull City Council and a total of 41 years in local authority arts provision Paul Holloway has decided to retire. His career in Hull City Council began when he moved from the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle to work at the Ferens Art Gallery where he took the role of Live Art Officer. After two years at the Ferens Paul took on the leadership of the ‘City Arts Unit’, latterly re-named as Arts Development with the title of Arts and Culture Manager.
A large part of his work has spearheaded the Council’s support for local artists and arts organisations, advising from the wealth of his experience in the arts as well as being directly responsible for delivering countless initiatives that have impacted Hull’s vibrant cultural scene, including of course the foundations of Hull 2017.
Throughout his career, Paul has been a passionate advocate for artists and the arts, and for the contribution that arts and culture play in strengthening communities, improving wellbeing, and enhancing pride in place. He has helped shape and support countless cultural initiatives, artists, organisations, festivals, and events that have contributed to Hull's reputation as a vibrant and creative city. Paul's career has spanned a remarkable period in Hull's history, during which he has helped nurture the city's cultural ambitions and supported its growth as a recognised centre for arts and creativity. The legacy of his work can be seen across many of the cultural organisations, programmes and partnerships that continue to enrich life in Hull today.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul has been a much-valued and respected colleague and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by colleagues and the wider cultural sector for his knowledge, humour, and unwavering belief in the power of art to make a difference.
Paul says:
“It’s been amazing, fantastic, frustrating , heart wrenching, spectacular and extremely rewarding, often in equal measure, but I hope that along the way I’ve helped some great art happen. It’s all team work of course and I have had the privilege of working with some amazing people. My thanks to all of them, I hope our paths cross again.”