How do you picture freedom?

Thousands of community-contributed images will form a new digital artwork commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.

The artwork - made from more than 5,000 images – will be unveiled in Lincoln this November and everyone in the county is invited to take part – from schools and community groups to families and individuals.

Funded by the government through Arts Council England, the result will be shown at Lincoln Arts Centre as part of Our Freedom: Then and Now, a UK-wide arts programme marking the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.

The large-scale digital mosaic, printed on aluminium to reflect Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage, will be animated with soundscapes, light and projection. The work has been commissioned as one of 80 new public artworks across the UK, exploring the theme of freedom - then and now.

The Lincolnshire project has been co-commissioned by community members, who helped shape the artistic brief and selected digital artist Allen Levy for his track record in collaborative and digital storytelling. The resulting work will blend voices, stories and symbolism from across the region.

Over the coming weeks, people from across Lincolnshire are invited to submit an image that represents their own idea of freedom, online or at local drop-in sessions.

Images can be submitted at NowAndThenFreedom.com and an in-person drop-in is taking place on Friday, October 17 at Lincoln Arts Centre.

Ben Anderson, Creative and Executive Director of Lincoln Arts Centre, explained: “This is Lincolnshire’s voice in a national conversation. Built with and for our communities - from RAF Digby to Boston - it honours our wartime past while asking what freedom means today. With global conflict still shaping lives, it’s a deeply resonant moment to reflect through art.”

Artist Allan Levy added: “By bringing together thousands of images and stories, we’re creating a living portrait of freedom, rooted in Lincolnshire’s history, but speaking to the present. It’s a privilege to shape this work for such a significant anniversary.”

Find out more: www.ourfreedom.org.uk