Our Freedom: Then and Now – National Exhibition Comes to Exeter in June

Libraries Unlimited is delighted to announce that Our Freedom: Then and Now, a major UK-wide exhibition marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, will be on display at Exeter Library from 15 June to 10 July 2026. 

Developed by Future Arts Centres in partnership with Open Eye Gallery and Libraries Connected, and supported by public funding from Arts Council England, the exhibition brings together images from 60 locally led projects across the UK. 

Together, they form a powerful nationwide portrait of people, place and belonging, revealing communities’ thoughtful and varied reflections on what freedom means today. The exhibition opened at the Southbank Centre in London and is now touring 18 arts centres and libraries across the country, from Inverness to Belfast, with Exeter Library proudly hosting as part of the national tour. 

22 photographers collaborated with communities of all ages and backgrounds, inviting participants to reflect on their histories, identities and lived experiences. The result is a diverse and compelling body of work capturing a moment of national reflection. 

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer at Libraries Unlimited, shared:  

“We are honoured to bring this nationwide showcase of creativity to Exeter Library. As our libraries evolve, they are increasingly spaces for creative expression and to enjoy the arts. It’s so exciting to give people in Devon an opportunity to experience such a poignant national exhibition locally.  

Our Freedom: Then and Now really highlights the importance of community, not just in Devon but across the UK. People coming together to reflect and create is such a powerful thing. I’m so proud that our libraries and communities have been a part of it.” 

Programme Co-Directors Annabel Turpin and Gavin Barlow said: “This exhibition is the culmination of a major national project bringing together 60 communities with artists, arts centres and libraries. Twenty-two brilliant photographers have created a diverse and fascinating set of images reflecting these communities across the country, and it’s fitting that the exhibition opened at the nation’s largest arts centre before travelling the length and breadth of the UK.” 

Our Freedom: Then and Now forms part of a wider UK-wide creative programme reflecting on the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day in 2025. The exhibition is produced by Future Arts Centres, Open Eye Gallery and the Socially Engaged Photography Network. 

More information about the exhibition and the full list of participating photographers is available here.