Arboretum launches free summer programme to experience Art of Remembrance

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has unveiled a new free summer programme, The Art of Remembrance, inviting visitors to discover how art helps keep important memories alive. 

Until Sunday 30 August, The Art of Remembrance will offer a pathway of reflection through thought-provoking installations, performances and participatory activities, helping visitors of all ages explore Remembrance together.

Rachel Smith, head of participation and learning at the National Memorial Arboretum said: “At the Arboretum, we use artistic expression to interpret complex stories in an honest, sensitive manner, providing a safe space for discovery, reflection and understanding.

“A rich year-round cultural programme ensures that these memories are not only preserved but are made accessible to everyone.

“The Art of Remembrance invites visitors of all ages to create explore, and remember as they make new memories to treasure.”

The Songs, Sounds and Stories initiative is part of the wider programme, taking place till 30 August from 10am to 5pm.

It offers an opportunity for quieter reflection through a series of three newly commissioned sound pieces, bringing Remembrance to life through music and storytelling.

Developed in partnership with the Arboretum’s associate partners, all-female a cappella group Black Voices, South Asian arts and heritage charity Sampad, and participants from the Arboretum’s Talent in the Ranks artist development programme, the sound installations combine music, spoken word and storytelling, encouraging reflection on love, separation, grief, resilience, companionship and endurance across decades of generations.

Benches, decorated by artists who champion visual conversations and explore themes including identity, memory and belonging, will provide a peaceful space for visitors to pause and reflect.

Printed transcripts of all the sound pieces will be available upon request at the Arboretum’s Welcome Desk. 

A 20-minute-family theatre performance will also take place until 30 August each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

It is designed to introduce younger audiences to themes of Remembrance through storytelling, music and interaction.

Following the adventures of the curious young Penny, as well as Ernest, the Keeper of Remembrance, the production explores ideas of memory, connection, service and sacrifice, highlighting that Remembrance is not just about looking back, but passing memories forward.

Meanwhile, a brand-new family theatre production titled as ‘Beaming’, will be showcased during the exhibition.

It has been commissioned by the Arboretum, written and directed by Emily Summers and produced by Bostin Creative. It will take place each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until 30 August, at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Advance online booking is recommended to guarantee a place.

The programme also includes ‘Stones of Memory’, a participatory artwork curated by renowned mosaic artist Llynda Baugh.

The artwork invites visitors to contribute to a growing collection of individually decorated stones, each representing a personal reflection, tribute or story.

During the programme, thousands of personalised artworks will come together to create a wider expression of Remembrance, illustrating how individual stories intertwine to form a shared, national memory.

Workshop Wednesdays will take place on 22 July, 5 August and 19 August, at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Drop-in arts and crafts are available on 29 July, 12 August and 26 August, from 11am to 3pm.