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Magic MeThe UK's leading provider of intergenerational arts activities
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Based in Tower Hamlets, East London since 1989, Magic Me's programme annually serves around 550 local people from diverse generations, cultures and ethnicities.
We specialise in running creative arts projects which bring together young people (aged 9+) and older people (55+) for mutual benefit, learning and enjoyment.
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Ellen Hurley at her wedding in 1936. Taken from the oldnewborrowedblue website. Photos from the collection will be displayed at Rich Mix from 8th-19th February
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Oldnewborrowedblue
Launched last year on the day of the Royal Wedding, oldnewborrowedblue is a varied collection of wedding photos from around the world and across the generations. Older and young people are asked to work together to share their family wedding photos and stories by adding them to this online public gallery.
A selection of these photographs and stories, particularly local contributions spanning from the 1920's to 21st century, will be on displayed in the Rich Mix lower café gallery area from the 8th February - 19th February.
This exhibition is brought to you in partnership with Rich Mix, Magic Me and The Photographers' Gallery is part of the Snapshots Festival 'Valentine's: An East End Love Affair'.
On the 18th February between 1pm - 4pm the Lower Cafe gallery will be set up with a computer and scanner so that you can add to the collection
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Research Grant
We are pleased to announce a £30,000 grant from Grants for the Arts through the Arts Council England. Learning and reflection are a key part of our practice. This grant will enable us to research two very different, large scale projects in 2012 and 2013 and to pass the learning on to our artists in special training days. Our Associate Artist, Sue Mayo, and Dr Caoimhe McAvinchey of Queen Mary, University of London, will be exploring:
How do different artforms help people build relationships throughout the Weekend at Wilton’s project
The particular benefits and intricacies of women only intergenerational projects, focusing on Where the Heart is , our 9th annual project with Mulberry School for Girls, local older women and The Women’s Library.
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Moving Lives
“I have discovered we share a lot in common. At the end of the day we are all Eastend Girls. They shop on the same high street I do, were born in the same hospital as me” Older Participant
This year’s collaboration with local older women, Mulberry School for Girls and The Women’s Library saw a mixed group of women come together to share their photo albums, keep sakes and memories. Inspired by the contents of Suffragette Emily Wilding Davies's pocket, they worked with Sue Mayo and Ellie Reese to make an interactive audio visual installation about objects that are close to their hearts adn identities.
Take a look at some film stills of the installation and read more about the project.
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Creating a New Old Conference
Susan Langford, Director of Magic Me will be speaking at the 'Creating A new Old' conference from 8th-10th May, an initiative by Age & Opportunity and the Bealtaine festival.
This conference brings together experts from a wide variety of fields to forge international networks of best practice. The conference will bring together specialists in health, culture, arts, science, education, gerontology, social policy and tourism. Register your interest |
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Magic Me 2012
2012 is shaping up to be our busiest year yet! Here is a flavour of what's in store: View From The Top will involve 120 participants looking at the rich heritage of High Street 2012. Working with businesses on the road, Magic Me participants will explore the history of the street and it's buildings and companies, as well as reflecting with residents and workers about the coming of the Olympics. Magic Me artists will lead the group in making poetry and prints, which will be printed onto large banners to be displayed on the 205 bus, reaching an anticipated audience of 800,000.
Magic Me will collaborate with Duckie for Weekend at Wilton's. Sixty Magic Me participants will take over Wilton's Music Hall alongside professional performers, from May 25-27th for a weekend of dancing, music, socialising and performances. Watch this space for tickets and further information.
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Follow us on Facebook
Magic Me is now on facebook!
This is a great way to keep up to date with our news. Get the best bits from our cocktail parties, and current project news straight to your news feed.
To follow Magic Me like our page. |
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News Item |
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The Guardian article about Magic Me
©Martin Godwin
"We were like strangers but by the end of the project we are like family. I look forward to seeing the girls and they look forward to seeing us. They have given me 20 years off my life, and they make me feel young again."
As part of the Guardian's Christmas Appeal, Homa Khaleeli met some of the women from the Moving Lives Project.
So far readers have helped raise £330,000, with £24,000 raised during the one off Telethon Guardian writers and journalists held in December. Published on Wednesday 21st December in the G2, you can read the full article here.
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Featured Project |
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Help Annie Beat the January Blues
“It lifts the spirit. Everyone needs a party every now and again” Roy, Care Home Resident, Stepney
Thanks to you, our generous supporters, we have already had an extraordinary response this year to our Cocktails in Care Homes campaign. Over 100 volunteers have signed up to run monthly parties in four East End care homes.
Residents have greatly enjoyed this regular chance to get dressed up, meet new people and keep in touch with life in the wider community. Christmas can be a particularly lonely time of year for care home residents and this is your chance to bring them a bit of sparkle and friendship.
Buy a resident a glass of sherry, or a delicious fruit cocktail!
Help us continue to throw cocktail parties in East London through 2012.
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Who's Online |
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