Marking the milestone of a century: Centennial's lasting importance
In the realm of the Creative Industries, significant sector-wide announcements have been made, drawing inspiration from the lessons learned during the First World War centenary commemorations.
The Arts Council of England (ACE) is drafting its strategy 'Shaping the Next Ten Years', and a research project by Dr. Jenny Kidd and Dr. Joanne Sayner from Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media, and Culture (JOMEC) suggests how research into commemoration practices could contribute to issues identified by ACE, such as diversity, accessibility, and capturing the value of cultural activities.
One of the most iconic symbols of the First World War centenary commemorations was the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London, which later became part of the 14-18 NOW Government-funded arts programme. Researchers investigated public responses to this installation from its opening in August 2014 to its close at the Imperial War Museums London and North in September 2019.
The project aimed to understand the temporal, geographical, and performative aspects of the First World War centenary commemoration and its implications for cultural policy. Visitors to the installation were encouraged to connect more thoughtfully with remembrance culture through questions such as 'Why should we remember the war?', 'Why are 100 years so significant?', and 'How do you want to remember?'.
In 2018, Historic Royal Palaces hosted an artistic installation called Beyond the Deepening Shadows, which used flames instead of poppies as a symbol of remembrance. Researchers are now working through the data gathered from this installation to draw lessons from the end of the national centenary commemorations.
The research group 'The Significance of the Centenary', led by Dr. Jenny Kidd and Dr. Joanne Sayner, explored the impact and legacy of the centenary commemorations on cultural memory and public engagement. Their work influenced the Arts Council of England's 'Shaping the Next Ten Years' agenda by emphasizing the importance of reflection, inclusivity, and creativity in shaping future cultural policies.
The creative industries are also driving environmental sustainability. Professor Dave O'Brien discusses the importance of higher education to the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, while Dr. Josh Siepe discusses the co-location of the Creative Industries with other Industrial Strategy Priority Sectors.
The 2025 Spending Review and its impact on the creative industries is another topic of conversation. Professor Nick Wilson discusses the Equity Gap in Britain's Creative Industries, and journalism occupations are included on the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport's (DCMS) list of Creative Occupations.
The AHRC-funded research network 'The Significance of the Centenary' also explored questions about collective memory and social attitudes through the commemoration of the First World War centenary. The findings of this research were communicated in a film called 'Why Remember? WWI centenary and public commemoration at the Tower of London'.
Marta Foresti recently became Chair of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC), and conversations within the GCEC focus on unsettling and reordering the creative economy. Researchers are continuing to analyse the data gathered from the various installations and events to better understand the impact of commemoration practices on public engagement and cultural policy.
