‘Reperforming State Memory – Work in Progress’ by John Beattie
The National Archives’ Artist-in-Residence programme is designed to support the exploration of new perspectives on archival material relating to the 1921-1923 period through the creation of new and original artwork. Public engagement will be a feature of the 24-month programme, providing unique insights into the artist’s creative process, as well as the collections of the National Archives and its role preserving and protecting the records of the State for current and future generations. Through the collaboration, the National Archives will explore new approaches to presenting its collections that enhance visitor enjoyment and encourage different ways of seeing and experiencing them. Reperforming State Memory, artist-in-residence John Beattie’s two-year project with the National Archives, seeks to engage with its collections and to work collaboratively with staff to explore different modes of display and representations of archive material. Over the course of his residency, Beattie will create a body of work that re-stages and brings to life a series of historical narratives and events from the period 1921- 1923.