Introduction to Freedom, Reframed
The Queens Hall in Hexham is hosting a singular AR experience called Freedom, Reframed, created by local artist Emma Tominey. This exhibition is a component of the national initiative Our Freedom: Then & Now, led by Future Arts Centres. The project goals to explore what freedom means to people 80 years after VE/VJ Day, inspired by Simon Armitage’s poem Freedom.
The Project’s Objective
The important goal of Freedom, Reframed is to reflect on the concept of freedom, each up to now and present. The project has been working with the community through various workshops, including collaborations with veterans, cadets, and energetic service members connected to RAF Spadeadam. These workshops have helped to explore the meaning behind freedom, considering its significance "then, now, and in the longer term."
Community Involvement
Over the last several months, Emma Tominey has been working closely with the community to create six original AR artworks. One of those artworks was sent out to Hexham homes on a postcard at the top of November. The final artwork is a culmination of the community’s input, shaped by Emma, and honors "personal and shared histories through a up to date lens." The location of the military base and the experiences of the people connected to it have informed the work created.
The Exhibition
Our Freedom: Then & Now has produced 60 latest pieces of labor throughout the UK, delivered in partnership with Libraries Connected and Open Eye Gallery. The project is supported using public funding by the UK Government through Arts Council England. To experience all six Freedom: Reframed artworks, visitors can download the free Artivive app and visit the Queen’s Hall.
How to Experience the Artworks
The Artivive app allows visitors to explore the AR experience in a singular and interactive way. By downloading the app and visiting the Queen’s Hall, visitors can immerse themselves within the six original AR artworks created by Emma Tominey. This progressive approach to art provides a fresh perspective on the concept of freedom and its significance in today’s world.
Conclusion
Freedom, Reframed is a thought-provoking AR experience that explores the concept of freedom in a singular and interactive way. Through its community-driven approach and progressive use of technology, the project provides a platform for people to reflect on what freedom means to them. By visiting the Queen’s Hall and experiencing the six original AR artworks, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of freedom and its relevance in today’s world. The exhibition will run from November 22 to October 2026, providing a singular opportunity for visitors to have interaction with this necessary project.
