Arts & Ages is Magic Me’s ambitious three-year programme, nurturing partnerships between primary schools and groups of older people in Tower Hamlets through the arts. By working together over a sustained period, Magic Me supports partners to establish a long-lasting relationship and gain the practical understanding and skills to continue bringing older and younger people together creatively.

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 is our response to the constantly changing situations around the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a new format for Arts & Ages programme over the coming months. We aim to continue building long lasting relationships between schools and older people’s venues, even if we are unable to meet in person. We will maintain existing Arts & Ages relationships and help connect communities during this uncertain time. The View from Here aims to ease social isolation for all ages through creative intergenerational exchange.

From now until the end of June, our team of artists will be creating a series of activities around the theme of windows – looking out whilst staying in.

We were inspired by the many drawings and messages that have been filling windows up and down the country and how they have become a means of connection with the outside world, as we spend more of our time indoors.

What does the world look like at the moment from your view?

What might that view look like for someone else?

We aim to create a space to reflect on the now, explore another generation’s perspective, and most importantly have fun!

You can find out about our first instalment and download activities here

You can find out about our second instalment and download activities here

Our third and final instalment of The View From Here is designed by artists Amanda Mascarenhas and Chuck Blue Lowry, In these activities we took a moment to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our time at home and think about our hopes for the future.

Following the third instalment, Magic Me will bring together all the wonderful responses we have received from people of different ages, to create a short animation film telling the story of The View From Here.

Alongside the animation we will also create a booklet capturing participants artwork, stories and creative ideas.

Artist Team

• Amanda Mascarenhas
• Ben Connors
• Chuck Blue Lowry
• Mia Harris
• Polly Beestone

How are our Arts & Ages partners getting involved?

We have been working closely with our partners to understand how their situation has changed and how we can support them to take part. We recognise that the current situation means that staff capacity to support and engage in creative activity may be reduced and that access to technology varies for each school, care setting and individual.

Therefore our partners will receive bespoke and tailored versions of the activity packs, ensuring participants can engage at their own pace and in more than one way.

Current Partners

• Halley Primary School and Coopers Court
• Osmani Primary School and Rochester Court
• Christ Church Primary School and Toynbee Hall Wellbeing Centre
• Lansbury Lawrence Primary School and Duncan Court

This project is funded by:Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation, Allen and Overy, Lucas Tooth Trust, The Worshipful Company of Mercers, The Haberdashers’ Benevolent Foundation, Gateway Housing Association

Taking part and need some help?

If you are a parent of a child taking part and looking for support sharing your artwork with us, please email Emily at emilybird@magicme.co.uk or call our project mobile on 07401 400 101.

For more details generally on the project please contact Magic Me’s Schools & Communities Project Manager, Catherine Connell on catherineconnell@magicme.co.uk

Click on any of the images below to open the gallery of art works from this project: