Richmond is formerly inviting residents, community groups, businesses and schools to join them the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) Project in 2020.

The Commemoration will mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and this will also be a moving tribute to the millions who died.

Seventy-five pieces will be selected for the exhibition at The Landmark Arts Centre which will run from January 15th until February 2nd 2020.

Cllr Jo Humphreys, a Jewish ward councillor for Whitton, who is leading on the event, said:"Throughout my life I've known people who either directly or indirectly were affected by this dark period in world history and I've been privileged to meet survivors and hear them bear witness to the horrors of the Holocaust.

"Projects like this are fundamental to ensuring that we never forget.

"This is especially important in the light of a 2019 survey which revealed that five per cent of UK adults don't believe the Holocaust happened and eight per cent believe the scale of it was exaggerated.

"This exhibition of work produced by the people of Richmond borough is a way for us to all stand together against hatred and prejudice."

Richmond would also like to hear from people who either live, work or study in the borough to create and submit artworks, prose and poetry or to just come and be inspired by the stories and events that took place during the Holocaust.

All submissions can respond directly to one person's experiences, can be a broader commemoration of the Holocaust or be a reflection on the national 'Stand Together' theme that will be used in 2020.

Artwork can be made using any material or artist technique, including but not limited to, photography, graphic design, sculpture, pottery or drawing.

There is no word limit for poetry and prose submissions, however to be considered for inclusion in the exhibition they need to be of a length that is practical to display.

Exhibits will be chosen to show a diverse range of pieces that reflect the many different experiences of the Holocaust.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “It’s right that we should take the time to reflect and remember the men, women, and children who were murdered, tortured and dehumanized during the Holocaust and that we learn to celebrate the diversity of our communities.

“We’re fortunate here in the UK that we are not at risk of genocide.

"However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion.

“The exhibition at the Landmark Arts Centre will be a poignant reminder about those who died – allowing us to reflect on the atrocities of the past and share their stories with future generations. It is the best defence against history repeating itself.”

The deadline to submit work is Sunday 15th December.

For more information about the Exhibition and how to take part email:

partnerships@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Or visit the Richmond website to complete an online form.