Lancaster’s city centre became the canvas for Our Freedom: Then and Now through two public artworks commissioned by The Dukes. The first, Our Freedom Mural, saw Assembly Arts create a pair of large‑scale murals on Ffrances Passage and Common Garden Street. These works celebrated Lancaster as a city, explored what freedom means to its communities, and reflected on the city’s connections to the Second World War. The project was supported by Lancaster BID and Lancaster City Museum, bringing heritage and contemporary creativity together in the heart of the city.

In November, audiences were invited to experience By The Light of Our Losses, a thought‑provoking light installation that illuminated The Dukes and locations across Lancaster. Multiple light bulbs inscribed with poetic messages of loss formed a trail through the city, guiding visitors towards Moor Space at The Dukes. There, draped festoons of glowing bulbs created an atmospheric environment that reflected stories of loss, liberation and resolve.

Together, the murals and light installation offered a powerful artistic response to the themes of remembrance and freedom, inviting the community to engage with Lancaster’s past and present in new and imaginative ways.