‘Mountain Aglow’ is the component of the ‘Disaster Passed’ project that focuses on the recent eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano on Montserrat.

Since the eruption began in 1995, hundreds of scientific studies have been published on the activity at Soufrière Hills and its impacts. But these numbers are dwarfed by the remarkable creative outpouring amongst Montserrations on island and all over the world, which matches the vigour of the volcano and the enthusiasm of the scientists to understand more.

The impact of the volcano on the lives of Montserratians is powerfully reflected in these memories, stories, poems and songs that have been written, told and shared over the last 25 years.

Mountain Aglow are a team of scientists, literary analysts, historians, artists and social scientists who have benefited from this new knowledge. With ‘Mountain Aglow’, our goal is to document and celebrate the creative responses to the eruption, to keep the collective memory of Montserrat before, during and after the eruption alive and accessible to everyone.

Visitors to “Curating Crises” will discover the collaborative efforts between teams from the Caribbean and the UK as they delve into the histories of volcanic crises in the Caribbean. The project, funded until July 2023, ensures the online database remains accessible beyond this date.

Historically, environmental crises, such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, were perceived by European scientists as opportunities for brief interventions, rooted in colonial attitudes. “Curating Crises” addresses two enduring legacies of these practices.

Firstly, detailed reports of past crises are often confined to European libraries, museums, and archives, limiting accessibility.

Secondly, the crucial role of local observers and the value of their observations have been overlooked. The mission is to change these dynamics.

The online database marks the first step, offering broader access to records previously limited to specific groups. “Curating Crises” aims to break down these barriers, providing a platform for those historically excluded from narratives around volcanic hazard and risk in the Caribbean.

Through curated online exhibits, the project spotlights narratives, with a particular focus on content generated during community-driven projects in Montserrat and St Vincent. This inclusive approach allows Caribbean communities to take ownership of the data, ensuring their voices are heard and enriching perspectives on volcanic crises.

Part of the ‘Hidden Histories’ collaboration, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council, “Curating Crises” contributes to using the past to inform the future of environmental science.

Visitors can explore the exhibits showcasing intriguing stories uncovered by the “Curating Crises” team, as they strive to unearth hidden histories and foster new ideas for understanding the environment collaboratively.

Commissioned by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) as part of the Curating Crises project, captivating murals were conceived and painted across the island by the Montserrat Secondary School’s students and the community.

Each mural serves as a visual narrative, sparking crucial discussions about preparedness and resilience. Visitors and locals alike are drawn into these immersive stories, gaining a profound understanding of the risks and realities of living in a volcanic zone.

Local organizations and educators cherish these murals as invaluable teaching aids, integrating them into lessons on science, geography, and environmental studies. Through the imagery, observers are transported to Montserrat’s volcanic landscape, where they uncover the delicate balance between life and nature.

As Montserrat’s journey continues amidst the Soufriere Hills volcano’s backdrop, these murals stand as symbols of hope and inspiration. They represent the island’s resilience in adversity, showcasing the strength of community and the transformative potential of art.