From footpaths and fells to rivers and ruins, these explorations of heritage spaces gave us time to get outside, breathe the air and reflect on our experiences of lockdown.
In partnership with the National Forest Company, Westminster Abbey and Sampad, we have produced a nationwide programme exploring communities’ engagement with local outdoor heritage during the pandemic. Generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme focused around four artist-led community engagement projects working with those who have been affected most by the pandemic. The artworks that emerged from these sessions are on display as part of this special exhibition at the Arboretum.
The Lockdown Landscapes project provides 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.
The pandemic affected us all differently, with some groups feeling the impact of lockdown more than others. The Lockdown Landscapes artists developed their artworks alongside some of the communities that were impacted the most.
The four artworks created were displayed in indoor and outdoor spaces at the Arboretum during summer 2023:
As part of Lockdown Landscapes we’re inviting communities far and wide to take part in a national conversation. Through our series of self-guided workshops, available free to download online, community groups will be able to map their memories and share stories of their outdoor experiences during the pandemic.
For their invaluable contribution to the success of Lockdown Landscapes, the project partners would like to thank:
• Professor Paul Crawford
• Dr Helen Foster
• Colin Hyde
• Lara Ratnaraja
• Amy Leung
• Libby Scarlett
• Rebecca Twiston-Davies
Our Lockdown Landscapes programme has been created in partnership with:
With funding from:
