The Art of Remembrance
Across history, art has been used to share, understand and connect with Remembrance stories, transforming abstract thoughts, historical events and complicated emotions into tangible, meaningful and enduring forms.
From the haunting melody of the Last Post signalling silence, to poems like ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae, which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, art has shaped how we remember.
The National Memorial Arboretum uses art to interpret complex stories with honesty and sensitivity, providing a safe space for discovery, reflection and understanding. From memorials that tell the stories of those remembered to exhibitions, poetry, film, performance and community installations, creativity is used to offer new perspectives, invite conversation and ensures stories are not only preserved but accessible to everyone.
This summer, as they mark 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened, visitors of all ages are invited to discover why art is so important to Remembrance.
Inspired by the stories shared the free programme will include:
Stones of Memory | Available Daily
Stones of Memory is a growing, participatory artwork taking shape throughout the summer. Together building Remembrance, from individual tributes to a collection of memory. Visitors are invited to decorate a stone, contributing their own memories to the evolving piece.
Songs, Sounds and Stories | Available Daily
Pick up a Podcatcher audio device, to hear three newly commissioned sound pieces that bring Remembrance stories to life.
Sound stories will be shared by Arboretum associate partners Black Voices, Sampad, the South Asian arts charity and participants of Talent in the Ranks, the Arboretum’s Armed Forces community artist development programme. Printed transcripts of all the pieces will be available on request.
Beaming – Family Theatre Performances | Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday | 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
A vibrant new piece of interactive family theatre, commissioned by the Arboretum and produced Bostin’ Creative, helps the youngest visitors discover more about Remembrance through imaginative storytelling. Designed for children under 10, the performances offer a thoughtful introduction to Remembrance and the stories shared at the Arboretum. Advance booking will be required.
Workshop Wednesdays
The youngest visitors will enjoy getting creative during our Workshop Wednesday activity sessions. Each week sessions will explore a different theme.
Making Music | 22 July, 5 August & 19 August | 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm
Advance booking recommended
Arts and Crafts – Drop in | 29 July, 12 August & 26 August | 11am – 3pm
National Memorial Arboretum
Croxall RoadBurton upon Trent
DE13 7AR
Dates & Times:
Across history, art has been used to share, understand and connect with Remembrance stories, transforming abstract thoughts, historical events and complicated emotions into tangible, meaningful and enduring forms.
From the haunting melody of the Last Post signalling silence, to poems like ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae, which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, art has shaped how we remember.
The National Memorial Arboretum uses art to interpret complex stories with honesty and sensitivity, providing a safe space for discovery, reflection and understanding. From memorials that tell the stories of those remembered to exhibitions, poetry, film, performance and community installations, creativity is used to offer new perspectives, invite conversation and ensures stories are not only preserved but accessible to everyone.
This summer, as they mark 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened, visitors of all ages are invited to discover why art is so important to Remembrance.
Inspired by the stories shared the free programme will include:
Stones of Memory | Available Daily
Stones of Memory is a growing, participatory artwork taking shape throughout the summer. Together building Remembrance, from individual tributes to a collection of memory. Visitors are invited to decorate a stone, contributing their own memories to the evolving piece.
Songs, Sounds and Stories | Available Daily
Pick up a Podcatcher audio device, to hear three newly commissioned sound pieces that bring Remembrance stories to life.
Sound stories will be shared by Arboretum associate partners Black Voices, Sampad, the South Asian arts charity and participants of Talent in the Ranks, the Arboretum’s Armed Forces community artist development programme. Printed transcripts of all the pieces will be available on request.
Beaming – Family Theatre Performances | Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday | 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm
A vibrant new piece of interactive family theatre, commissioned by the Arboretum and produced Bostin’ Creative, helps the youngest visitors discover more about Remembrance through imaginative storytelling. Designed for children under 10, the performances offer a thoughtful introduction to Remembrance and the stories shared at the Arboretum. Advance booking will be required.
Workshop Wednesdays
The youngest visitors will enjoy getting creative during our Workshop Wednesday activity sessions. Each week sessions will explore a different theme.
Making Music | 22 July, 5 August & 19 August | 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm
Advance booking recommended
Arts and Crafts – Drop in | 29 July, 12 August & 26 August | 11am – 3pm
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