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15-25 August 1917
Home>> 2016 >> July >> We Are Here: Living War Memorial

We Are Here: Living War Memorial

We Are Here: Living War Memorial
It was put together by 14-18 NOW, “a programme of extraordinary arts experiences connecting us all with the First World War.” The organization is in partnership with many creative organizations and is supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. They commission works of art to engage people in the history of the war and of their ancestors in many dynamic ways – through theatre, film, dance, music, poetry, and mass-participation events.
 
They organization writes “We firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts to bring the stories of the First World War to life. Perceptions of the war have been shaped by the artists of the time, including poets, painters, photographers and film-makers – many of whom served and who reflected on the war and its effects. One hundred years later, today’s artists are opening up new perspectives on the present as well as the past.”
 
What an extraordinary mission! You have probably seen the work of artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, called Poppies: Wave & Weeping Window.
 
 
 
Their sculptures were visited by 5 million people when they were installed at the Tower of London in 2014, as part of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red. Now, they are touring the UK in various locations.
 
In a similar vein, the July 1, 2016 tribute to the Battle of the Somme, we’re here because we’re here reached over 30 million people, in the UK and around the world.
 
“On 1 July 2016, thousands of volunteers took part in a modern memorial to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. ‘We’re here because we’re here’ saw around 1,400 voluntary participants dressed in First World War uniform appear unexpectedly in locations across the UK. ‘we’re here because we’re here’ was a UK-wide event commissioned by 14-18 NOW, conceived and created by Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller in collaboration with Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. Produced by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the National Theatre, in collaboration with 27 organisations.”
 
Were-Here-Because-Credit-Eoin-Carey_01-Glasgow.jpgImage Credit: Eoin Carey for 14-18 NOW. 

Eoin-Carey-WHBWH.jpgImage credit: Eoin Carey for 14-18 NOW. 

See more amazing photos from the event here, and a video below.

 

14-18 NOW will continue to commission original works of art until the centenary of the end of the war. Let us know what you think of this tribute by reaching out on social media! We're on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 
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