Celebrating 80 Years of Liberation through the Power of Art

Celebrating 80 Years of Liberation through the Power of Art

Music, art, poetry, photography and the arts, in all their forms, are powerful tools for
documenting, sharing and reflecting upon history. Even in the most difficult and darkest of circumstances, art can bring comfort, create impact and share cultural legacies. As Guernsey celebrates 80 years of Liberation, Guernsey Arts has developed its artistic programming to commemorate and reflect upon Guernsey’s five years of Occupation, ensuring that this important milestone is captured for generations of Guernsey artists and audiences to come.

The Liberation 80 Poetry and Prose Anthology

Over 300 poems were submitted for this anthology with 80 being selected for publication. Books are being distributed for free to Island schools and care homes, with each contributing poet also receiving a copy. Copies are also available to purchase from Guernsey Museums and Castle Cornet for £7.50 each.

The publication of the anthology has been marked through a reception for students at
Government House as well as bringing the written word into the public realm. The poetry can now be seen on board at Frossard House and will also be replicated on hoarding outside Creasey's Department Store. Recordings of the poems and live readings will also feature through Liberation Day.

We would like to thank all of the poets who put forward work to be included in this anthology, Guernsey Museums and the Guille-Allès Library for support with this project, and also extend thanks to Dr. Karen Marshall for the Schools Poetry Competition.

The Liberation Timeline - The George Crossan Gallery

The Liberation Trail features nine unique displays across St Peter Port and the scene is set in the George Crossan Gallery with The Liberation Timeline. The Timeline, put together by Guernsey Museums in the George Crossan Gallery curated by Guernsey Arts, is an emotive journey through the stories of courage, hardship and hope that have shaped Guernsey’s history.

A free illustrated trail map is available to download or pick up at one of the locations on the trail.

Find out more: https://museums.gov.gg/article/204334/The-Liberation-Trail

“Dear Unknown Friend” - Greenhouse Gallery

“Dear Unknown Friend” is a celebration of contemporary art, curated and commissioned as part of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. It is the 99th exhibition to take place under the Greenhouse Gallery label and focuses on the experiences and challenges surrounding the evacuation of Islanders. Using artefacts provided by Island Archives, The Priaulx Library and Guernsey Museums, 13 local artists have produced pieces aiming to give a voice to those who lived during the evacuation and to tell their stories.

Featuring poetry, composition, sketches, watercolours and oils, artists include : Caitlin Robilliard, Lydia Pugh, Jeni Snell, Georgie Smith, Sally Dyas, Sophie Le Lievre, Etienne Marquis, Susanna MacInnes

Guernsey In The Frame - London City Airport

10 artworks featuring Guernsey scenes are on display at London City Airport in the
“Guernsey In The Frame” showcase - now live in the Departure Lounge at London City
Airport! The selected works, inspired by the beauty, spirit, and stories of Guernsey,
celebrate 80 years of Liberation and everything that makes Guernsey so special - from breathtaking coastlines to rich cultural heritage.

Artists include : Florence Dibsdall, James Colmer, Georgie Smith, Nelli Begg, Kenneth
Hill, Ben Fiore, Jon Sandilands, Gill Harrison, Louise Hill and Emma Torode.

Exile and Return - St Pierre du Bois Church

Exile and Return is a six week exhibition taking place within the grounds of St Pierre du Bois Church. It features the work of 12 artists coming together as the Occupation Arts Collective and includes paintings, drawings, photographs, interviews, writing and animation. The exhibition opens on the 7th May and has been supported through a Guernsey Arts Grant.

“This year, Guernsey celebrates 80 years of Liberation. The Occupation Arts Collective have put together a sensitive and high quality project examining the years of hardship and sacrifice leading up this anniversary. The show engages a mix of well-known and emerging local artists whilst bringing the arts to the Western parishes. We are proud to support them and look forward to seeing the show in situ”

Russ Fossey, Head of Arts Development, Guernsey Arts

Artists include : Jenny Aitken, Adrian Datta, Pierre Datta, Sally Ede-Golightly, Annabel Ede-Golightly, Deborah Grice, Rosanne Guille, Keith Langlois, Olympia McEwan, Fiona Richmond, Adam Stephens, Lou Stephens, Aaron Yeandle

Music and activities at Castle Cornet

On 9th May, Guernsey Arts curates a programme of live performances throughout the day, showcasing a diverse range of local talent within the historic backdrop of Castle Cornet.

Guernsey Arts (CH280) is a not for profit organisation. Established in 2008, the charity directly supports Island Artists and Bailiwick Arts Organisations with funding support and insight. From photography and film to live music and theatre; from sculpture and visual arts to poetry and literary works, if it's an art form, the Guernsey Arts team is on hand to guide, advise and help Island projects to reach their full potential and to demonstrate the vibrancy of Guernsey’s culture.

You can help us develop the cultural scene in Guernsey by making a donation -
www.arts.gg/donate