Article Source: Scene Stirling
Last Updated: 11 September 2024 9:45
The event showcased a selection of the creative outputs of the two-year initiative in a moving exhibition. It also marked the launch of an illustrated book and the premiere of a commemorative film documenting the project’s journey.
Led by Scene Stirling and dance artist Saffy Setohy, the project invited community members from across Stirling to participate in and co-create a series of creative activities and events. The initiative, which is part of Scotland’s national Covid Community Memorial Programme, encouraged people to reflect on the pandemic’s impact while fostering hope and healing through creative expression.
Over the past two years, the project has brought together participants from all walks of life in acts of reflection and celebration that ranged from collaborative artwork to intergenerational celebrations.
Kevin Harrison, Manager of Scene Stirling, expressed his pride in the project: "It’s been an honour to be a part of this community centred project. Working collaboratively with our Remembering Together artists Saffy Setohy, Lorna Swinney and Orla Stevens, as well as a dedicated team of local creatives, partners and community organisations has been incredibly rewarding.
“From transforming a children’s library space into an interactive installation, to an intergenerational celebration in a Plean care home’s walled garden, this creative journey has connected communities across Stirling in truly special ways. It’s been an absolute privilege to see so many people come together in moments of joy, reflection and creativity."
The project included a wide range of creative endeavours, from recording audio stories that captured the beauty and solace of winter and the resilience of communities in rural Stirlingshire to hosting a lively, Beltane inspired street party in Cornton, that celebrated local green spaces through dance, music, craft and storytelling.
As well as holding collaborative craft and movement workshops involving adults with learning disabilities and local primary school children in Riverside, connecting with their local plant life.
Stirling Provost Elaine Watterson highlighted the enthusiastic participation in the project by communities.
She said: "It’s been wonderful to see Stirling’s communities embrace this creative arts project, coming together in acts of reflection, remembrance, hope, and healing.
“Not only has it honoured those who lost their lives to COVID-19, but it has also provided an important opportunity for individuals and communities to share their experiences of the pandemic.
“The book and film, which document the project’s journey, are a lasting testament to these efforts."
The project’s main creative activities were influenced by the Celtic Wheel of the Year, working with the seasons to explore themes of life, change and renewal through all of our senses.
Lead artist Saffy Setohy, who guided the project, reflected on its achievements: “When we began this project in 2022, it felt as if we were still living in the shockwaves of the pandemic.
“People were grappling not only with loss, but also with a sense of disconnection from time, space and their bodies. We’ve uncovered so much in our conversations with communities, from the solace that nature offered during the pandemic to new rituals that emerged in response to isolation and change.
“Through workshops and creative gatherings, we’ve explored themes of care, healing, and regeneration. We’ve embraced the cycles of life and death, the seasons, and the importance of intergenerational connection – all of which were deeply affected by the pandemic.
“What we’ve created and experienced together is not static but living, an ongoing reflection of our collective journey. The beautiful book designed and illustrated by Orla Stevens and the poetic film created by Sean Hall will serve as lasting legacies, inspiring others to continue this exploration of creativity, nature connection, and community."
To find out more about the project and to view Sean’s film, visit www.scenestirling.com Free copies of Orla’s book are available upon request, email info@artlinkcentral.org, or can be downloaded from the project website.
Image: The project's creative team
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MOREA shortlist of finalists for the 2025 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 26,000 votes were cast during the selection process.
READ MOREDon’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MOREScotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MOREAfter becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MOREA generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORECaledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORETicketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MOREThis family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MOREThe Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MOREJames Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MOREThe battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MOREThis festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling partners with esteemed poet Donna Ashworth to combat loneliness this Christmas.
READ MOREStirling’s streets have been given extra twinkle and sparkle this winter thanks to an expansion of the city’s festive lighting.
READ MOREFounder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MOREA unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORECelebrate the festive season with Christmas tree picking and an Afternoon Tea celebration at Dobbies’ Stirling store on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December.
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MOREJasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MOREA family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MOREScottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MOREA popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MOREitison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MOREA pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORETo mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE