Magic Me: Generation Rebellion artworks
- Borough: Tower Hamlets
- Organisation: Magic Me
- Topics: environment, children and young people, older people
Who we are
Magic Me, an intergenerational charity based in east London, runs an annual Women’s project, which partners local older women with young women from Mulberry School for girls.
We started the project in 2020 with participants exploring how to be an activist in response to the climate and ecological crisis. In 2021 participants got together to look at how we can all get involved on a global and local level.
We looked at the main causes of the crisis, then identified the root causes and the systems we currently live in. We used collaborative arts, always working across generations, to make films, artworks and a notebook to help share this work and encourage others to get active. The project was called Generation Rebellion.
Artworks
The artworks were initially inspired by discussions around identifying the major problems and causes of the climate and ecological crisis, then finding global and local solutions to these issues, within the context of working together. The artworks were created in collaboration and discussion between the older and younger women involved in the project.
The black and white side represents a challenge or difficulty we are facing as individuals or communities. When turned over, the images in full colour were created to help people think what they can do in response to this challenge. These artworks were showcased in a film, and used to stimulate audience conversation at a local sharing event at Poplar Union, Tower Hamlets.
Vi and Nazia identified that there was a lack of spaces to share knowledge and learn about the impact of the climate and ecological crisis. They imagined how intergenerational learning hubs in communities would help bring people of all ages together to share local and global knowledge and find solutions.
Amarjit explored how racism and sexism impacts the ability for individuals and communities to be heard and to contribute their knowledge and insight. She identified the importance of intergenerational creativity and art to express unheard voices.
Amarjit explored how racism and sexism impacts the ability for individuals and communities to be heard and to contribute their knowledge and insight. She identified the importance of intergenerational creativity and art to express unheard voices.
The idea of coming together in groups to find strength is explored through Synicia’s artwork. She said that many people feel isolated and don’t know what to do, so spaces to come together to find solutions, act and have their voices heard is important.
Etracy, Salma, Jumaima and Heather focused on food systems and food waste. Community kitchens and gardens where we can be more connected to the food we eat were seen as important local solutions, and changing our mind set to see food as treasure would help on a more global scale.
Start with a local focus
The climate and ecological crisis can be an overwhelming topic. This project focused on working locally in Tower Hamlets, to gain understanding and to become active on both local and global issues.
Women are more impacted by the climate emergency and more active in practical solutions, so mobilising a group of women aged 14–80 was a great place to start. The project wasn’t only about the group’s learning but had the ambition to encourage others to get actively involved. Reaching an audience at COP 26 in Glasgow, and a local audience in Tower Hamlets tested the impact of the work, and audiences were impressed and inspired by these community voices.
The changes we would like to see
Magic Me would like to see space created for older and younger people to find common ground and work together to find solutions to the climate crisis.
Change can only happen when everyone is part of the conversation. Whether it’s within a local community, with family and friends, or at a higher international policy level, conversation and collaboration between different generations can make a difference.
When we are together, the voice is heavier. The voice is stronger. That’s the only way we can influence the change we want.
Get in touch
If you have any questions you can get in touch with Magic Me at [email protected]
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