Our starting point is Gordon Young’s much loved ‘Fish Trail’ which navigates a viewer/visitor through the streets, alleys, and watersides of Hull. 41 life-size representations of glass, brick, steel, bronze, and stone fish species are carved, engraved, set, or burnt into surfaces around the city. The artists/writers involved have each been given a ‘fish’ from the trail (drawn from a hat) and invited to make something in response according to their practice. Alongside this we have researched the health of these species to produce 41 ‘fish profiles’ exploring the effects of climate change, fishing, and pollution on these populations.

We have 56 artists on board working in every possible medium – painting, poetry, film, sound, collage, embroidery etc. The majority are local but we have some from Scotland, the North East, Wales, Birmingham, and the South Coast. We also have community and young people’s groups producing collaborative responses to particular sea life species.

We are showcasing the creative responses, marine science research, and overarching essays –  

• on our website and social media

• through a dedicated issue of ‘The Critical Fish’ (available at the exhibition and in galleries, libraries and other outlets in Hull, the East Riding and further afield).

• in an exhibition – at The Pier Street pop up space (25th October – 2nd November 2025) which is just off Humber Street in Hull. To coincide with the two exhibition weekends, we also have spaces booked at The Deep for workshops and networking events (see What’s On)