14-18 NOW was the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary. Working with arts and heritage partners all across the UK, we commissioned new artworks from 420 contemporary artists, musicians, film makers, designers and performers, inspired by the period 1914-18.
- An astonishing 35 million people engaged with the programme of extraordinary arts experiences between 2014 and 2018.
- 14-18 NOW commissioned 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.
- Projects include Danny Boyle’s Pages of the Sea, Peter Jackson’s They Shall Not Grow Old, Wave and Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, Jeremy Deller’s We’re here because we’re here, PROCESSIONS and LIGHTS OUT.
- Our programme of events have set a new benchmark for the arts and heritage sectors in commemorating national moments both in the UK and internationally
- Experiencing a 14-18 NOW project has demonstrably increased the UK public’s sense of relevance of the First World War
- We’re here because we’re here on 1 July 2016 raised the bar for cultural programming and has become a leading model for large-scale artist-led commemoration in the UK and internationally
- Our programme of free events has reached more diverse audiences than normally for the arts and heritage sectors and shown the value of public outdoor arts in engaging new audiences
- In undertaking work across the UK and a diverse range of activity, 14-18 NOW has succeeded in achieving reach and resonance at a local, national and international level
By re-shaping the commemorative act, 14-18 NOW projects 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.
14-18 NOW is independently evaluated by Morris Hargreaves McIntyre to capture a range of artistic, heritage, partnership, volunteering and audience outputs and outcomes.
