Pandemic memories
A GARELOCHHEAD art project hopes to make locals feel “empowered” to tell the story of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected them.
As part of the ‘REFLECT, Remembering Together’ initiative, artist and educator Emma Henderson will work with communities around the Garelochhead area to co-design a space for reflection and remembering in Centre 81.
Participants will use colours and patterns to transform their memories and stories into visuals and make their own tribute in the centre’s community garden.
A spokesperson for the project said: “The Covid-19 pandemic changed the lives of everyone in Scotland, but the ways by which it affected each community were unique.
“Remembering Together is a national project which seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities their own way to remember and mark their experiences of the pandemic.
“Emma’s project aims to ensure that all feel empowered to tell their stories, share experiences and express their ideas so that together we can create a collective space for reflection and remembrance.”
Emma has a background in design and printmaking and her work explores heritage crafts, technology, ecology, and community.
Remembering Together is a national project which aims to give Scotland’s 32 local authorities their own way to mark their experiences of the pandemic.
REFLECT builds on the results of the first phase of the Remembering Together consultation carried out in Argyll and Bute.
Most participants noted the importance that the outdoors and natural environment played in supporting the mental health of our communities during the pandemic.
REFLECT links four projects currently underway in Argyll, with artists working in partnership with local communities, heritage gardens, and development trusts to design spaces and artworks for memory and reflection.
Similar projects under the REFLECT, Remembering Together banner are being held at the Sawa Project at Mount Stuart on Bute, the Aros Park historic walled garden on Mull, and Campbeltown Museum in Kintyre.
REFLECT, Remembering Together is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Greenspace Scotland in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly, Argyll and Isles (CHARTS).