Life Lines: Naomi Warren Art Project

Part of our commemorations of the 80th anniversary on 15 April 2025, Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum are inviting artists to participate in a three-part series of artist workshops to engage with the story of Jewish survivor Naomi Warren and the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, and create artwork in response to four themes: witnessing, kindness, vision and positivity.

Artists will be encouraged to create artwork and/or an installation collaboratively or individually to be exhibited during the summer in the museum.

On 15 April 1945, Bergen-Belsen concentration campwas liberated by British forces, which included menof the Oxfordshire Yeomanry, 63rd Anti-TankBattery, Royal Artillery. One of the stories highlighted in the museum is of a soldier, Arthur Tyler, and a survivor, Naomi Warren.

Artists will be introduced to her powerful impact on others through her character and vision, and how she has inspired artists, dancers and filmmakers alike.

Artists will also be introduced to primary source materials, other works and techniques that have significance to the themes. We will work with our own relationship to the powerful themes, through discussion and connection with each other.

Royal Artillery Tracer Card for Arthur Tyler (Courtesy of the Royal Artillery Museum)

Schedule of workshops:

SAT 12TH APRIL: LIBERATION OF BERGEN-BELSEN / EYE-WITNESS ACCOUNTS / JOURNALS

WED 14TH MAY: THE STORY OF ARTHUR AND NAOMI / ACTS OF KINDNESS

WED 11TH JUNE: NAOMI’S VISION AND POSITIVITY & TRANSATLANTIC IMPACT ON ARTS AND EDUCATION

Participants will:

• Explore the themes of witnessing, kindness and positive vision
• Engage in group discussion
• Have the opportunity to hear from artists with work on relevant themes or techniques
• See short films, interviews and talks as a group
• Have the opportunity to explore ideas for installation work (or solo artwork if preferred) and take part in an exhibition at the museum.

There are 12 places available.

To join, please get in touch with Anita Joice, Museum Programme Officer