Our Story

A registered charity and company limited by guarantee, Freedom Festival Arts Trust has emerged, since 2013, as a fully-fledged arts organisation, integrated within the city of Hull and its communities, and increasingly influential within the national and international arts sector.

As custodians of Freedom Festival, the city’s annual award-winning, free-to-access international arts festival, and an expanding year-round programme of work rooted in audience engagement, talent development and health & wellbeing, the Trust continues to evidence a significant impact upon the social, cultural and economic vitality of the city.

Born out of the William Wilberforce commemorations in 2007, which celebrated the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade led by Hull’s most famous son, the annual Freedom Festival has evolved into one of the UK’s most distinctive international arts festivals. A commitment to presenting impactful work which explores themes of freedom such as, democracy, equality and protest sets it aside from other comparable festivals, celebrating the city’s unique history whilst also engaging in a global conversation around human rights.

Working cross-sector with artists, community leaders, public sector, industry and academic institutions, alongside creative organisations including European partner network IN SITU and festival touring networks Without Walls, Global Streets and Coasters, we continue to support talent development and ideas cultivation. Our year-long programme also involves innovative, international projects supported by the British Council (in Sierra Leone, Korea and Canada), Australia Council, Institut Ramon Llull and many more. Find out more about our vision.