A Mischief of Rats have found a home for their artist studio. ResQ in Hull will serve as the artistic hub for the upcoming sculpture trail, providing a spacious studio and storage facility for the project’s forty five giant rat sculptures.
Clare Huby, Co-Director of A Mischief of Rats, expressed her gratitude: “We’re thrilled to have found the perfect space at ResQ. Their generosity in offering the facility will be instrumental in bringing our vision to life. The area meets all our requirements, including ample space, lorry access, and the necessary amenities for our artists”.
Adding her signature touch to the ‘A Mischief of Rats’ trail is local artist Emma Garness, whose artistry knows no boundaries. Her experience includes large-scale murals and she has also worked on previous giant sculpture projects. Emma is pleased to once again, work alongside other artists in the shared studio: “It’s exciting to be part of a collective effort that will transform Hull into an open-air art gallery. It’s an open canvas for us all.”
The ResQ facility will be home to the giant rat sculptures until May, allowing artists to decorate and securely store their artworks before the mass installation across Hull and East Yorkshire. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the project, which aims to attract visitors to lesser-known locations in the region while raising funds for Daisy Appeal at Castle Hill Hospital.
John Cadden, Director of Business Governance at ResQ, said: “At ResQ, we’re always looking for ways to support our local community, and this was a fantastic opportunity to contribute to Hull’s vibrant cultural scene. We’re pleased to be able to provide this space as a temporary home for the A Mischief of Rats project. It’s exciting to play a part in bringing the sculpture trail to life, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our city and the Daisy Appeal charity.
“With ResQ’s support, we’re one step closer to creating a spectacular artistic transformation that will captivate residents and visitors from near and far,” Clare Huby added. “We’re excited to see the mischievous rats come to life in this space and can’t wait to launch the trail on 3 May 2025.”
The sculpture trail will be open to the public from 3rd May to 30th August 2025, promising a unique art experience that celebrates Hull’s cultural heritage while supporting a vital cause.
Inspired by Hull musician Mick Ronson’s band The Rats, the sculpture trail will explore various aspects of rats, from their contributions to medical science to their presence in popular culture. The project follows in the footsteps of successful predecessors such as The Larkin Toads, A Moth for Amy, and Puffins Galore!
For more information about A Mischief of Rats, visit amischiefofrats.co.uk or follow the project on social media platforms.