Remembering together
Specially designed arbours were unveiled in 12 areas, including Auchinairn, Baldernock, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Lenzie, Milngavie, Milton of Campsie, Torrance, Twechar and Waterside.
Residents and groups in Bishopbriggs were invited to commemorate the opening of the COVID-19 community memorial. There are 12 specially designed memorials in East Dunbartonshire forming part of Remembering Together, a national project that gave each of Scotland’s local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations.
This project is delivered with funding from the Scottish Government, working in collaboration with Greenspace Scotland, East Dunbartonshire Council and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT).
Phase 1
During phase one of the project, Elena Mary Harris – lead participatory artist and facilitator – worked alongside East Dunbartonshire communities to help shape ideas for a creative output that would best reflect the diversity of pandemic experiences.
From these consultations, three design options were produced for the covered seating areas that were then shared with the wider community via an online vote, where all residents were able to help choose a favourite. 12 memorial seating areas are set to be installed in towns and villages across the region; showing the wealth of different experiences and impacts from across East Dunbartonshire.
Each area which will have three elements
Each area which will have three elements: a covered seated area designed for communal reflection; a guided walk meant to represent how residents found new routes and paths through the pandemic; and different soundscapes for each bench that bring together stories of local groups and individuals as well as music performances from local musicians.
The ultimate aim of the project is to bring together communities and artists in a spirit of reflection, hope and healing – commemorating local residents who lost their lives, the many who experienced profound change and loss, and the ways in which people came together during unprecedented times.
