14-18 NOW

14-18 NOW was the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary which ran from 2014 to 2018. Working with arts and heritage partners all across the UK, new artworks from 420 contemporary artists, musicians, film makers, designers and performers were commissioned, inspired by the period 1914-18.

Tamsin Dillon, curator of visual art projects for 14-18 NOW, delivered over 25 co-commissions over the five years of the project, working as part of a team that brought a unique range of knowledge and experience to the program.

Some of the key achievements of the 14-18 NOW program included the engagement of an astonishing 35 million people who experienced a program of extraordinary arts experiences between 2014 and 2018 and the commissioning of 107 projects in more than 220 locations across the UK, touching millions of people emotionally and engaging 8 million young people with the First World War. The programming of free events reached more diverse audiences than would normally be the case for the arts and heritage sectors, demonstrating the value of public outdoor arts in engaging new audiences. Undertaking this work across the UK and a diverse range of activity, 14-18 NOW succeeded in achieving reach and resonance at a local, national and international level.

The 14-18 NOW program sought to re-shape the commemorative act, and the projects it delivered have presented heritage on an individual, human scale and enabled artists, participants and audiences to connect emotionally and intellectually with the First World War; prompting people to be more curious about those who lived during it and inspiring them to find out more.