Plans for Covid-19 community memorial in East Lothian gathering pace

Barbara Gardner-Rowell has been named as lead artist for the first phase of Remembering Together: East Lothian.

The artist will work with residents and community groups to explore options and decide what a fitting memorial or memorials for the county might look like.

Phase one of Remembering Together will result in the co-creation of an idea or concept, which could be a piece of art such as a physical structure, garden, artwork, play, film, music, book or virtual exhibition.

The memorial or memorials will be created in phase two, beginning later this year.

Barbara Gardner-Rowell has been appointed as lead artist for the first phase of a special memorial project. Picture: Kathryn Follon

Mrs Gardner-Rowell said: “This programme gives the opportunity for me to work creatively with people across the East Lothian community to define what ‘memorial’ means for them.

“Some people will want a structure they can visit and to see their loved ones named.

“Others may want to co-create music, movement, film, an online project, a series of events and gatherings, or a travelling book.”

Phase one of the project will involve various activities.

A call to residents and community groups to be involved will be delivered across East Lothian over the summer in email/postal and face-to-face formats.

Workshops will then be delivered to support the creative process.

Workshops

Participants from the local community who are interested in exploring ideas are invited to collaborate individually and in groups, working with materials and objects in ways that invites self-reflection and creative thinking.

Registration for The Wheel of Summer and Quipu Recollections opened on Tuesday via thebrunton.co.uk

Another three workshops – Mapping the Local, Hand-Held Reflections and Evocative Objects – will be delivered face-to-face in each of the six East Lothian Council wards from July 4 to August 19.

Further information on dates and locations will be promoted shortly.

Again, registration will be via thebrunton.co.uk.

Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, sport, countryside and leisure, said: “The effects of the Covid pandemic are ongoing and wide-ranging, touching the lives of everyone.

“To overcome feelings of isolation, loss and anxiety that have been part of our collective experience is incredibly important.

“Remembering Together East Lothian will enable our community to contribute their thoughts and ideas to create an important and enduring legacy for East Lothian.”