Remembering Together Perth & Kinross comes to an end
Gregor George is an artist, designer and illustrator based in Perth City. Helen O’Brien is a visual artist and maker based in Perthshire. Helen McCrorie is a film based and participatory artist based in Crieff. Kristie De Garis is a photographer, dry stone wall builder and writer based in Kinross. Alec Finlay is an artist and poet based in Edinburgh. Joey64 is an artist, and a film maker based in the Perthshire area.
The artists working on the Remembering Together Phase 2 project for the area of Perth and Kinross have delivered 33 workshops involving over 400 community members. All of which have engaged a wide range of groups located within the 5 main areas in Perth and Kinross defined by the project’s Phase 1: Blairgowrie and the Glens; Strathearn; Perth City; Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire; and Kinross. These workshops involved a high number of pupils and teachers, from both primary and secondary level in many of these communities, focusing on the impact of Covid on their lives and exploring the concepts of memories and remembrance. Care homes have been at the core of some of the artist’s projects to include and scope the impact and the tools used by the older generation while dealing with the limitations and difficulties brought by Covid. This has also provided an opportunity for inter-generational exchanges, one of the greatest challenges confronted by the elderly and young ones during the pandemic.
The commissioned artists also engaged with different community led initiatives and groups with a varied focus, including organisations supporting individuals maintain their independence while dealing with macular diseases, dementia, helping prevent male suicide and providing warm spaces. The artists connected with groups and organisations focused on the relationship between art and wellbeing across many communities in Perth and Kinross. Repairing, sustainability and environmentally minded groups have been a key part of the Remembering Together programme of engagement, which fit with the global rethink of our relationship with the places we live and the ways we live them. Several projects also addressed the international implications and impact of the pandemic and have tried to actively record and involve individuals from different nationalities including regions such as Eastern and Central Europe, Asia and Southeast Asia, Middle East, among others.
The approach to the workshops delivery by all the artists engaged in the commissions, was very practical and enhanced the process of engagement through making. Art making has become a crucial tool for exploring, processing, reflecting, remembering, and co-creating.
Every creative practitioner used different work methodologies and strategies to create a safe and inclusive environment where participants can connect, share, and heal while making. The varied nature of each artist’s practice, have enabled groups and individuals to express using three-dimensional creations, exploring objects and material culture with extreme relevance to them. Aural and textural experimentations with direct connection to film, moving image, heritage, and open natural spaces. Understanding colour and memories through poetry and emotional connections. Helping participants to celebrate urban green spaces that served as a relief when movement wasn’t allowed, through graffiti and expressive mark making.
As part of the conclusion of the project an artist’s talk was held at the Perth Art Gallery where all the artists were invited to showcase the process of working with the communities across Perth and Kinross. This was an event opened to the general public and was a great opportunity for engaging with each creative process to a deeper extent. Members of the project board, local authorities, and organisations involved in the project took part in the dialogue.