YOU could say the writing is on the wall for Hull's bid to be the UK's City Of Culture 2017.
Or at least it was.
Leaning against a wall in an old fruit-packing warehouse in Humber Street stands an 8ft-tall, black canvas painted with the legend "From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us" – the 17th century gag that's haunted the city for the best part of half a century.
It's a miserable, dark, forbidding piece of artwork, matching the leaden drizzle outside – but it won't be for long.
As graffiti artist Nick Horsefield, better-known by his tag name SI2, sets to work painting over the damning words with more hopeful visions of a modern, vibrant Hull, it appears the city is preparing to write itself a new, brighter future.
Staged to symbolise Hull's blossoming bid to become the City Of Culture, the mural suggests a city looking to leave behind its old image problems and create a few new stereotypes of its own.
Hull's 63-page bid document was launched yesterday at Fruit, the independent Humber Street arts venue, which itself symbolises the city's burgeoning DIY culture scene. It's a scene you're unlikely to find at any of the other ten bidding cities' press launches – even if Hull's competitors have roped the likes of Orlando Bloom and Billy Connolly into singing their praises.
Hull, as alway,s does things a little differently.
As a gang of Andy Warhol look-a-likes mix with the city's great, good and some of the 100 people who have already contributed to the bid, tucking into smoked salmon and crème fraîche crêpes, the event firmly established the "quirky" aspect of the bid – highlighting the city's "Hullness" as a virtue that could ultimately win it votes.
The organisers behind the bid used the event to set out their stall, pushing the themes they believe will ensure Hull a place in the shortlist of four, which will be announced on Monday, June 17.
Should Hull succeed in securing the 2017 title, it would lead to an £11m investment in cultural events, festivals and artistic residencies – creating thousands of jobs in the tourism and culture sectors.
For adviser Andrew Dixon, Hull's bid is one that has avoided flighty celebrity endorsement in favour of focusing on the "serious" themes of what real benefits winning the competition could bring to the city.
Mr Dixon, who has advised cities such as Newcastle on bidding for other major cultural events, said: "The Hull bid is serious.
"It's not about celebrity endorsement, it's about tackling some of the economic problems we have in the city and then using culture to change that and really change people's lives.
"Hull has a compelling moral case to make it on to the shortlist. There is some strong competition from cities such as Leicester, Dundee and Plymouth – but I believe Hull has what it takes to be up there with the favourites.
"Hull has the need for this, and winning the title could make a real difference here.
"Making the shortlist is crucial. To use a footballing analogy, it's like working all season to make it to the play-offs.
"Once you're there, it's all about showing who's got the strength of character and the ability to come out on top."
In recent weeks, Hull has gone from outsider to real challenger, behind Leicester, Chester and Swansea in the betting stakes. In the feel-good aftermath of Hull City's promotion to the Premier League, the city saw a flurry of bets placed on it to take the culture title.
Should Hull scoop the title, it would mean 1,500 events, 25 festivals, 12 artist residencies – including one on the Humber Bridge – and cultural exchanges with cities such as Rotterdam and Reykjavik.
For Sarah Longthorn, Wedge Welly entrepreneur, member of the City Leadership Board and culture bid ambassador, the economic case for Hull's candidacy is overwhelming.
The Hessle Road-raised businesswoman knows from personal experience just how much culture can change lives.
She said: "I strongly believe that culture can inspire people and lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs.
"My business was inspired five years ago by one single cultural event and that was the first ever festival I went to.
"I saw the niche for Wedge Wellies and everything blossomed from there. I really believe winning the City Of Culture could help transform the city, bring jobs and help inspire other people to start businesses.
"We've got such potential, now all we have to do is make the most if it."
You can follow the latest Hull 2017 details on its Twitter feed @2017Hull
