By January 2020, Magic Me was working with 8 Arts & Ages partners across Tower Hamlets. Our artists delivered weekly sessions bringing together younger and older people to create artworks that reflect what they have to say, and challenge perceptions of who they are, encouraging them to become active citizens in their communities. See our Arts & Ages page for full project details.
The View from Here & Simple Acts were Magic Me’s response to the constantly changing situations around the COVID-19 pandemic, and a new format for our Arts & Ages programme.
We aimed to continue building long-lasting relationships between schools and older people’s venues, even when we are unable to meet in person. We maintained existing Arts & Ages relationships delivering remote activities aimed to ease social isolation for all ages through creative intergenerational exchange.
Simple Acts with Coopers Court
In April 2020, artists Lehni Lamide Davies and Liane Harris were due to continue working with Coopers Court and Halley Primary, as they completed the second year of their Arts & Ages partnership. However due to the constantly changing situation around the COVID-19 pandemic all sessions were put on hold.
In response, Lehni and Liane created Simple Acts, a series of bespoke creative activities for Coopers Court residents.
Residents were gifted a personalised activity pack, containing six creative activities including collaging, painting, movement making, poetry, sculpture and puzzles. In order to select an activity residents roll a dice and follow the instructions of the activity with the corresponding number.
Activity packs included materials needed to take part in each activity and a message from the artists to each individual participant. Simple Acts continues to be used by staff in 1:1 sessions with residents.
To download the Simple Acts activity pack go to the At Home Together Activities page.
Simple Acts photo credits (featured image and image below) Lehni Lamide Davies and Liane Harris.
The View From Here (April – June 2020)
From April until the end of June 2020, our team of artists created series of activities around the theme of windows – looking out whilst staying in. We were inspired by the many drawings and messages that filled windows up and down the country and how they became a means of connection with the outside world, as we spent more of our time indoors. We aimed to create a space to reflect on the now, explore another generation’s perspective, and most importantly have fun!
Partners received bespoke and tailored activity packs, ensuring participants could engage at their own pace and in more than one way and partner staff were able to facilitate activities confidently.
You can find out about our first instalment and download activities here
You can find out about our second instalment and download activities here
You can find out about our third instalment and download activities here
Following the third instalment, Magic Me brought together all the wonderful responses we had received from people of different ages, to create a short animation film telling the story of The View From Here.
Alongside the animation we created a book celebrating participants artwork and highlighting scenes from the animation film. This book was sent to participants without digital access.
Artist Team
- Amanda Mascarenhas
- Ben Connors
- Chuck Blue Lowry
- Mia Harris
- Polly Beestone
- Lehni Lamide Davies
- Liane Harris
Partners who took part in The View From Here:
- Halley Primary School and Coopers Court
- Christ Church Primary School and Toynbee Hall Wellbeing Centre
- Lansbury Lawrence Primary School and Duncan Court
The View From Here was funded by: Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation, Arts Council England, Allen and Overy, Lucas Tooth Trust, The Worshipful Company of Mercers, The Haberdashers’ Benevolent Foundation, Gateway Housing Association
Click on any of the images below to open the gallery of art works from this project:
