2 min

Our Freedom: Then & Now

A community-led arts initiative which explores creativity, connection, and local heritage

This project ripples on – if you put a thought in someone’s head, it’s like a seed that grows. This project talking about freedom ripples on…

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Our Freedom: Then and Now is a national project run by Future Arts Centres' (FAC) which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Led by FAC in partnership with Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England, Libraries Unlimited is one of 60 libraries and art centres that took part across the UK. 

The project is a community-led arts initiative which explores creativity, connection, and local heritage. It invited residents, artists, veterans, and underrepresented voices to reflect on what freedom means today through exhibitions, performances, and installations. Running from June to November 2025, the campaign launch featured Poet Laureate Simon Armitage reading his poem Freedom Road, specially commissioned for the project. 

'What does freedom mean to you? When do you feel most free?' are the questions explored in the project.  Artist Athena Jane Churchill delivered the project in collaboration with Libraries Unlimited, inviting participants to explore the heritage of VE Day 80 years on through a series of workshops. 

Libraries Unlimited - Our Freedom: Then and Now

Highlights from the Devon programme

  • Barnstaple: Art sessions with the Memory Café, Flying Fish Art Group for mental well-being, Drop-in family workshops create a display around the library’s central atrium tree. 

  • Exeter: Ukrainian families creating mural panels and public consultation at the RAMM Museum build towards a mixed-media installation in the library’s foyer. 

  • Newton Abbot: Creative activities with Wolborough Primary school and at Newton’s Place Museum, as well as with library well-being painting groups and Knit and Natter. Artwork created on bunting inspired by the Town’s War Memorial the “Figure of Freedom”.  

The project culminated in a display in each location, showcasing the voices and artworks of participants and inviting the wider community to reflect on the evolving meaning of freedom. 

The project highlights the creativity, care and talent found within our libraries and unites three distinct communities across Devon.