At the start of 2020’s first lockdown I devised and produced the Digital Quilt, a community art project with over 200 participants, for Hastings Museum and Art Gallery. We transformed a painting from museum’s collection into an illustration, divided it into over 200 squares and put a call-out for participants on social media. Each participant recreated a square in whatever media they wished. The quilt was hugely successful, with many describing the joy and renewed confidence it had brought them.
The project was part of the #DigitalMuseum, which began at the beginning of lockdown and ran until the museum reopened its doors after 24 weeks of closure. Over the months the digital museum was operating its range of activities reached over 1.45 million devices, creating opportunities for people to engage in cultural activities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The programme included materials created by the museum team and co-designed content with creative freelancers. The museum was recognised for its continued work throughout lockdown and was shortlisted for the ‘Best Lockdown Project Award’ through the Museums Change Lives Awards 2020.
You can look through the project below – click on the ‘full screen’ button (two crossing arrows, the fourth button of six) to view it in most clearly.