Remembering Together
Collective acts of reflection, remembrance, hope and healing, with communities across Scotland. Partnered with Shetland Islands Council and Greenspace Scotland.
Remembering Together has commissioned artists in all 32 local authority areas in Scotland to co-create with communities, exploring who, what and how we want to remember and honour all those affected by Covid.
Offering a place to connect, to reflect and to create, Remembering Together is about creating together, being part of a process to commemorate those who have lost their lives, those who have experienced loss and change as well as celebrating the ways in which Scottish communities have come together, bonded with close families and communities, learnt new skills and enjoyed slowing down, during the most difficult times.
Remembering Together is being delivered by greenspace scotland at the request of Scottish Government. Shetland Arts, working with Shetland Islands Council, on behalf of greenspace Scotland, delivered the project in two phases.
Phase One
In July 2022, Shetland Arts, working with Shetland Islands Council, on behalf of greenspace Scotland, appointed Christina Inkster to work with communities to deliver the first phase of the Remembering Together project.
From July to November, Christina met with community groups across the islands to listen to their thoughts and experiences of the pandemic, creating the foundations of how best to memorialise the period of time in a way that supports their values.
Phase Two
In December 2023, Shetland Arts offered commissions totaling £70,000 for 9 creatives to create 5 memorials and a book for the Remembering Together Covid Community Memorial project.
This opportunity sought out 5 local artists to create their response to the Phase One report and each produce a memorial. 4 content creators (photographer, writer, videographer and designer) were also commissioned to document the artist’s activity and produce a book and video from their work.
The memorials created by each artist were:
- Renzo Spiteri – new music composed with a string quartet, incorporating spoken word, soundscapes and field recordings of Shetland’s natural environment.
- Helen Robertson – 21 glass plaques crafted and distributed to all 18 community councils across the isles. Additionally, a flag printed with the same design will be flown annually from Lerwick Town Hall on the date lockdown was lifted.
- Heather Christie – fostering self-care within the Bressay community through the creation of a map and guide which documents how islanders looked after themselves during the pandemic.
- Malcolm Innes – working with music students at Mareel to produce a captivating light installation and visual projections at key locations across the isles throughout March – May 2024.
- JJ Jamieson – a unique film screened at Mareel and online, reflecting on lockdown with community members and incorporating authentic sounds of COVID-affected environments.
The book was designed by Chloe Keppie, with words by Genevieve White and photography by Niamh Wylie. At the launch event in May 2025, the accompanying film to the book made by Liz Musser was also shared. Copies of the book are available to read in public locations including health centres, schools, community centres and libraries.
Current project
