The Art of Remembrance project bridges contemporary art with the history of World War II, offering a platform for creative dialogue about the past. By inviting artists to reinterpret the stories of WWII through innovative works, the project connects audiences to this pivotal chapter of history in meaningful and unexpected ways. It highlights the power of art to spark reflection and foster a deeper understanding of how the past shapes the present and future.
The aim of the project is to ensure that the memory of World War II remains relevant and accessible across generations and borders. Through artistic expression, the project explores themes of resilience, memory, and human connection, creating opportunities for public engagement and cultural exchange. By bringing together contemporary art and historical narratives, it encourages audiences to reflect critically on history and its enduring lessons.
At the heart of the project are artist residencies hosted at four key WWII remembrance sites in Europe. Each site offers a unique historical context, from the deportations and resilience of Polish citizens at the Sybir Memorial Museum to the technological dimensions of war at La Coupole WWII Museum in France. In Italy, the Nuto Revelli Foundation focuses on the stories of Italian partisans in the hamlet of Paraloup, while the city of Bastogne and the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium reflect on the decisive events of the Battle of the Bulge. These residencies allow artists to immerse themselves in the rich archives, artifacts, and community narratives of each location, creating site-specific works that reinterpret the history of WWII.
The works created during these residencies will form a traveling exhibition that will connect audiences across Europe to the diverse interpretations of WWII memory. Alongside the exhibition, the project engages with local communities through workshops, public events, and educational initiatives. These activities aim to inspire dialogue and encourage younger generations to explore history through the lens of contemporary art.
The project is implemented supported by a network of cultural and historical organizations committed to preserving the memory of World War II and fostering transnational collaboration.
The project is co-funded by Creative Europe, a funding program of the European Commission.
© 2025 | Art of Remembrance. All rights reserved.
