Future Arts Centres is delighted to be leading Our Freedom: Then and Now, a new programme of community-based events in arts centres and libraries, to mark the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

This memorable programme will give communities a unique opportunity to reflect on the end of the Second World War and to explore what freedom means for them, then and now.

Local people from 60 UK communities will join with artists to create special cultural events, exhibitions and performances that are meaningful to people living in these places and across the UK.

The programme, which is supported by UK Government through Arts Council England and in partnership with Libraries Connected, will be based in arts centres and libraries to build on their established relationships within their localities. An additional 20 celebrations will take place in museums, resulting in a total of 80 communities projects to mark the 80^th anniversary.

Annabel Turpin and Gavin Barlow, Co-Directors of Future Arts Centres, said:

“Being part of the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversary programme is an incredible opportunity to bring communities together through creativity. Across the UK, we’ll be working with arts centres and libraries to ensure this anniversary is marked in ways that resonate with local people—giving them the chance to work with artists to shape and participate in events that hold real meaning for their own histories and places. In partnership with Libraries Connected, Our Freedom: Then and Now will support 60 arts centres and libraries to create powerful, public moments of reflection and connection that honour the past while inspiring the future.”

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

“As shared spaces at the heart of their communities, public libraries have a long tradition of marking national events through local culture and creativity. Our Freedom: Then and Now is a valuable moment for libraries to join with their communities in paying tribute to the Second World War generation and reflecting on what this means for them now in their local area, across the UK and beyond. We’re looking forward to an inspiring programme of events, exhibitions and performances that connect communities and tell stories which resonate with people up and down the country.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

“Arts centres, museums and libraries play such an important role in our lives, right across the country, so it’s wonderful to invest £2 million in these anchors in our communities, on behalf of Government, to mark the 80^th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day. The projects they will host in communities, will provide us with the opportunity to reflect and to remember, as part of the wider programme of commemorations that are planned.”

More information is available from christine@futureartscentres.org.uk.