A major new participatory artwork, made from more than 5,000 images submitted by Lincolnshire schools, families and community groups and will be revealed at Lincoln Arts Centre this November, as part of Our Freedom: Then and Now, a UK-wide arts programme marking the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.

The large-scale digital mosaic, printed on aluminium to reflect Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage, will be animated with soundscapes, light and projection. The work has been commissioned as one of 80 new public artworks across the UK, exploring the theme of freedom: then and now.

In a rare approach, the Lincolnshire project has been co-commissioned by nine local community members, who helped shape the artistic brief and selected digital artist Allan Levy for his track record in collaborative and digital storytelling. The resulting work will blend voices, stories and symbolism from across the region, creating a powerful, shared portrait of freedom.

Over the coming weeks, people from across Lincolnshire are invited to submit an image that represents their own idea of freedom, online or at local drop-in sessions.

Images can be submitted at NowAndThenFreedom.com and in-person drop-in is taking place on Friday 17th October at Lincoln Arts Centre.

Ben Anderson, Creative and Executive Director of Lincoln Arts Centre, said:

“This is Lincolnshire’s voice in a national conversation. Built with and for our communities, from RAF Digby to Boston, it honours our wartime past while asking what freedom means today. With global conflict still shaping lives, it’s a deeply resonant moment to reflect through art.”

Allan Levy, Artist, said:

“By bringing together thousands of images and stories, we’re creating a living portrait of freedom – rooted in Lincolnshire’s history, but speaking to the present. It’s a privilege to shape this work for such a significant anniversary.”

Our Freedom: Then and Now is a UK-wide arts initiative commemorating 80 years since the end of WWII. Led by Future Arts Centres in partnership with Libraries Connected and Open Eye Gallery, the programme is creating 80 new commissions – each exploring freedom through the lens of place and community.

The programme is funded by the UK Government through Arts Council England.
Find out more: www.ourfreedom.org.uk