AN APPEAL to NHS workers to share their stories has been issue ahead of the arrival of a temporary memorial to Worcester next month.
Severn Arts chiefs will bring ‘In Memoriam’, an artwork by Luke Jerram to Pitchcroft from October 10 to 18 as part of the Arches Worcester Festivals Programme.
The ceremonial art installation has been created as a memorial to those who have lost their lives in the COVID-19 pandemic and to pay tribute to the NHS staff and volunteers who have worked so tirelessly to care for so many.
Created from 120 bed sheets, In Memoriam is intended to be a symbol of local, national and international solidarity, creating a space for reflection, remembrance, and recognition for Worcester residents.
In Memoriam was commissioned by The Weston Arts + Health Weekender’ with support from Durham University and the Wellcome Trust.
The festivals programme is part of The Arches – Worcester project, which is supported by the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England.
In Memoriam is created to be displayed in open air spaces such as Pitchcroft. The memorial can be explored safely by the publuc for free whilst maintaining social distancing.
Visitors to the memorial are encouraged to share their thoughts on social media using #MemoriamArtwork.
Laura Worsfold, Severn Arts’ chief executive said: “In Memoriam is a great example of artwork being used to bring communities together and provide space to reflect, remember and engage in some quiet contemplation.”
David Edmunds, festivals director at Severn Arts said: “In Memoriam has previously been presented in Antwerp and as part of a well-established festival in London. Now Worcestershire residents can feel proud to be part of an international tour and show of solidarity, particularly when the artist who created the memorial is so well-known.”
Artist Luke Jerram said: “Not many people have been able to grieve properly, with loved ones unable to visit their relatives in hospitals, funerals cancelled, churches and cathedrals closed.
“So, although it feels like we’re only half-way through this pandemic, there’s a massive need for an artwork that can help us grieve for those we’ve lost.”
Any NHS workers who wish to share their stories can e-mail [email protected] for more.
