Arts / Mindin’ tagidder: Covid memorial book launched
A NEW book memorialising Shetlanders’ Covid experience has been launched.
It is part of the Remembering Together project, a national scheme administered locally by Shetland Arts.
The books will be going out to the community this summer and will be available in public locations including health centres, schools, community centres and libraries.
In early 2024 nine creatives were commissioned for phase two of the Remembering Together Covid Community Memorial project.
This involved the creation of five community memorials, as well as a commemorative book and short film.
The book, titled Mindin’ Tagidder, documents the artistic journeys of Heather Christie, Malcolm Innes, JJ Jamieson and Liz Musser, Renzo Spiteri and Helen Robertson as they worked towards memorialising Shetlanders’ Covid experience.
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 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 a launch event at Lerwick Town Hall on Thursday, the accompanying film made by Liz Musser was also shared.
Shetland Arts’ creative project manager Kathryn Gordon said: “’I am really delighted to be launching this book, showcasing the breadth of exciting work that was delivered by the artists on this project. Hopefully it will encourage readers to reflect on their journey.
“COVID-19 was such an unstable time for so many of us. Life since, for many of us, has continued as normal and we don’t often make time to reflect on the pandemic.
“This book gives readers a chance to reflect on their lived experience.”
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