The stories we share matter and remembering is important. Remembrance has no boundaries, is not specific to culture or community and it does not discriminate. Our collaborative programmes help us to explore, share, and learn from stories in new ways.
From co-curated exhibitions that have explored difficult memories to interactive installations that have helped to share Remembrance stories in an entirely new way, some of our previous programmes have included…
In partnership with the National Forest Company, Westminster Abbey and Sampad, the Arboretum produced a nationwide programme exploring communities’ engagement with local outdoor heritage during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Lockdown Landscapes project provided us with the opportunity to learn more about the impact of Covid-19 on people around the Nation, inspiring Remembrance of those who we have lost, marking the sacrifices of those who served, and encouraging us all to see the value of our heritage landscapes in years to come.
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In Autumn 2023 we worked with over 650 people, from school and community groups, aged from 5 to 95 years old, to weave together arts, culture, history, reflection and Remembrance to create three new temporary installations:
Flowers of Remembrance (pictured) an enchanting illuminated indoor garden created in collaboration with local schools. It explored the symbolism of different flowers and how they commemorate and honour individuals who have left their mark on our communities. A poem written by Poet Dan Simpson gave a voice to the piece.
The Archway of Hope an indoor willow arch enhanced by willow insects and animals to represent the Arboretum's diverse wildlife. The artworks were crafted by three local community collectives under the guidance of Willow Artist Nita Rao
Windrush Path of Illumination was an outdoor, multisensory tribute to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on UK shores. Created by two community groups in Birmingham, it was accompanied by a soundtrack of original newly composed songs by Ken Burton ‘Across the Seas; and ‘We Honour You’ sung by our Associate Partner Black Voices and local choirs.
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Carnival came to the Arboretum in August 2023 as we celebrated the legacy of the HMT Empire Windrush and the Windrush Generation. The free event organised in collaboration with Black Voices featured joyous performances from guest choirs, a carnival procession and carnival-themed arts and crafts. A highlight of the day was the debut performance of ‘We Honour You’ by an ensemble of choristers recruited from across the West Midlands. The exclusive new composition paid tribute to the Windrush Generation and was created by the renowned composer, songwriter, and choirmaster, Ken Burton.
A moment of reflection was led by Ermal Kirby, a leading Methodist minister who was born in the Caribbean. Reverend Kirby spoke about the challenges that faced migrants on their arrival in Britain and how they relentlessly pursued every opportunity for themselves and their families. The ‘Windrush Pioneers’, a group of Windrush migrants and their descendants, nominated by care homes and community centres to represent the broader community, were presented with handkerchiefs embroidered with the words ‘We Honour You.
