Helmand: The Soldiers’ Story

Since opening in August 2007, Helmand has received enormous recognition from the public and the media because of the unique nature of its creation – it was built by, and written by, the soldiers themselves, in collaboration with the Museum. Mobile phone footage, spoken accounts and personal objects, including bullet-riddled body armour, were used to tell the experiences of the troops as the first NATO soldiers to enter Afghanistan - and the first to leave.

“I strongly believe that, in Helmand, we have created an exhibition that has genuinely pushed the boundaries of public expectations, and sparked an important debate on the role of the British army on an international scale,” said Jo Woolley, exhibition leader and head of PR & Marketing at the Museum. “We are delighted and honoured at the recognition we have received through being longlisted.”

The Oscars of the museums and galleries world, the Art Fund award carries international recognition and a ?100,000 prize, with the winner holding the trophy for one year. Entrants must demonstrate, amongst other criteria, originality, imagination and public enthusiasm for the project. “The response from the public has been overwhelming, with hundreds of comments on our visitors’ wall,” Ms Woolley added. “I’m extremely proud of the achievements of the soldiers and the team who worked with them.”

The exhibition is the first to cover an ongoing conflict as it occurs, and with the possibility of redeployment the team hope to continually update Helmand, keeping the exhibition uniquely ‘alive’ and creating a lasting legacy for the public and those who served, and still serve, in Afghanistan. -- www.national-army-museum.ac.uk