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14–18 NOW facts for kids

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14–18 NOW was a special arts program in the UK. It was created to remember the First World War 100 years after it happened. This program worked with many art groups and history places across the UK. They asked 420 modern artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and performers to create new artworks. These artworks were inspired by the years 1914 to 1918, when the war took place.

Why 14–18 NOW Was Created

In October 2012, the UK government announced plans to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War. Part of this plan was to have an arts program. In June 2013, this program was officially named the 'First World War Centenary Cultural Programme'. Later, it became 14–18 NOW. It was set up as an independent group, but it worked closely with the Imperial War Museums.

This important program received money from several places. These included the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and a government department called DCMS. Other public groups, volunteers, and private supporters also helped to fund the projects.

Amazing Art Projects and Events

14–18 NOW created many exciting and memorable art projects. Here are some of the most well-known ones:

Dazzle Ships

Five modern artists painted real ships in the UK and USA. They made them look like "dazzle ships" from the First World War. These ships had bold, confusing patterns painted on them. This was to make it harder for enemy submarines to tell which way they were going. It was a tribute to the hundreds of ships that used this clever camouflage during the war.

Spectra: A Tower of Light

Artist Ryoji Ikeda created a huge tower of light in the sky over London. This amazing light show was visible for seven nights. It was a powerful and beautiful way to remember the past.

Lights Out

More than 16 million people across the UK took part in "Lights Out." For one hour, they turned off their lights. This simple act was a way for everyone to quietly remember and reflect on the start of the First World War.

We're Here Because We're Here

This moving project involved over 1,400 volunteers. They dressed in wartime uniforms and appeared in different places across the UK without warning. They stood silently as a living memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Somme.

Poppies at the Tower of London

Parts of the famous art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red went on tour. This artwork originally had thousands of ceramic poppies filling the moat at the Tower of London. The touring parts, called Wave and Weeping Window, allowed more people to see and remember the fallen soldiers.

Processions: Celebrating Women's Votes

Processions was a large art event where many people took part. It marked 100 years since some women in the UK were first allowed to vote. Thousands of women marched in different cities, carrying banners and wearing colours to celebrate this important moment in history.

They Shall Not Grow Old

The Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson (who directed The Lord of the Rings films) created They Shall Not Grow Old. This BAFTA-nominated film used old archive footage from the war. He used modern technology to colourise and restore the footage, making the war look more real and vivid than ever before. It helped people see the war in a new way.

Pages of the Sea

Filmmaker Danny Boyle invited communities across the UK and Ireland to join him for "Pages of the Sea." This event marked 100 years since Armistice Day, which was the end of the First World War. People gathered on beaches to create temporary portraits in the sand, remembering those who died.

Other Notable Projects

  • The Head & the Load: A new work by artist William Kentridge was shown for the first time at Tate Modern in London.
  • Nissen Hut: Turner Prize-winning artist Rachel Whiteread created a sculpture in Yorkshire's Dalby Forest.
  • Xenos: Dancer Akram Khan explored the experiences of an Indian soldier during the war in his final solo performances.
  • Five Telegrams: A collaboration between composer Anna Meredith and 59 Productions was performed at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival.
  • Fly by Night: This outdoor artwork featured over 1500 LED-lit pigeons flying over the River Thames.
  • SS Mendi Dancing the Death Drill: A play by South Africa's Isango Ensemble retold the tragic story of the 1917 SS Mendi ship sinking.
  • Still: Six poems by Simon Armitage were written about aerial photos of six battlefields and shown in an exhibition.

Artists Involved

Many talented artists, musicians, and performers were part of the 14–18 NOW program. Some of them included:

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