Remembering Together is a Scottish Government initiative that brings together communities and artists in collective acts of reflection, remembrance, hope and healing.
Dumfries and Galloway Council and DG Unlimited are working in partnership with greenspace scotland and have commissioned artists ts Beall and Katie Anderson to bring together members of the public, community groups and healthcare workers through a series of workshops and public events to honour those that have lost their lives to Covid-19 and reflect on their own experiences. The project includes a travelling ‘Tree of Remembrance’ sculpture, a programme of creative workshops, and remote postcard and digital activities for those unable to participate in person.
This part of the project will culminate in December 2022 with a concept for a Covid Community Memorial for Dumfries and Galloway that has been co-created with individuals and communities across the region. Phase 2 of the project will begin in January 2023 and will see delivery of the memorial.
Communities working with the artists will decide what the memorial will be and ideas could include commemorative gardens, physical memorials, public or digital artworks, live theatre or music performance events, or community events in parks, greenspaces or other types of public space.
Chair of Communities Committee Archie Dryburgh said:
‘It is right and proper that Dumfries and Galloway is taking part in this national programme. It’s a chance for local people to get involved in helping our region to commemorate those who lost their lives or experienced loss as a result of the pandemic, and to celebrate how communities and individuals across our region reached out to support people in need during such difficult times’.
Vice Chair of Communities Committee John Campbell said:
‘I’m really pleased to see that two local artists will be leading the first phase of this project, and to hear that they will be reaching out to people across our region to gather their thoughts and ideas. During the pandemic I think a lot of people found that doing something creative helped them to overcome challenging experiences, so it’s great to see that creativity and imagination will be at the heart of this project’.
Stephen Lacey, Chair of DG Unlimited added:
‘We are delighted that artists ts Beall and Katie Anderson have been awarded the commission for this part of the project. They both bring the necessary creative and personal skills to ensure that people have the chance to share their experiences, ideas and thoughts in a supported and sensitive way. They are both highly experienced in working with communities and we look forward to seeing the creative concept for a Covid memorial for Dumfries and Galloway at the end of this important phase.
