First Year (September – December 2019)

The Magnificent Art Factory

The Magnificent Art Factory was the first Arts & Ages project between Toynbee Hall Wellbeing Centre and Christ Church Primary School, working with artists Ben Connors, a visual artist and Shepherd Manyika, a mixed media artist.

Together older and younger people explored their shared values and interests to create unique imaginary characters. The group used illustration, and clay to bring their characters to life and were inspired by pagodas, totems and other stackable structures! The artworks were exhibited to friends and family at Christ Church Primary School.

The View From Here (April – June 2020)

In response to the constantly changing situations around the COVID-19 pandemic, Magic Me designed a remote project for Arts & Ages partners to take part in from home. The project involved activity packs sent in the post and uploaded to online learning platforms, with the aim of creating a space to reflect on the now, explore another generation’s perspective, and most importantly have fun! Full project details can be found here.

Final Year (May – July 2021)

Between May – July 2021, partner staff worked with artist Mia Harris to build upon their previous work together. Through online workshops with Mia and Magic Me, partners established joint aims and objectives, continued their learning of intergenerational practice and planned for the future.

Older and younger people continued to connect remotely through creation of an intergenerational banner. Both groups explored the local area and important landmarks, plotting them onto two pieces of fabric. The fabric was exchanged and built upon each week.  Older and younger people strengthened their sense connection through shared video messages and moments to deliver materials and letters socially distanced as they worked on the banner.

Creating the banner…

Delivering materials to Toynbee Hall…

Photos by Samia Meah