26 May Get Involved in our Westmeath Cross Generational Project
We’re looking for people who want to make a difference in their community.
As part of the conclusion of the Bealtaine festival, we are delighted to announce that we are launching an artistic cross-generational community project with Westmeath County Council and Creative Ireland and we want you to get involved! This is a great chance to create connections in your community and support two groups who have been heavily affected by months of lockdown- teenagers and seniors.
The Project
We are looking for keen community minded people in Westmeath to work on our time capsule project. The Community Time Machine involves connecting young people in your neighbourhood with senior members of the area for a chat about their lives and experiences.
The idea of the project is quite simple- we want to get young people (between ages 12-18) to have a chat with a senior person over the phone, giving both people an opportunity to learn from each other and connect. Each teenager that takes part would then create something based on the conversation they had with their partner. That could be anything at all: a painting, a photograph, a poem- the sky’s the limit!
The interview, creative response and a professional portrait of each senior participant will then go into a unique online digital book to mark this historic time and celebrate everyone involved.
Working with us
A Community Organiser (that’s you!) will help to connect a small group of teenagers with senior members of the community via phone call, zoom or socially distanced meet-up. We’ll send you everything you need for the project, including interview sheets and creative inspiration. We want your help to create this unique snapshot from a multi-generational point of view! You would be our point of contact for the project in your area.
We will be here to support you every step of the way and send you everything you need for your Time Machine project. We’ll also organise for a professional portrait photographer to visit the older person to take a (socially distanced) picture to go with their interview.
Why get involved?
This is a brilliant way to connect your community by offering powerful social experiences for both young and older generations alike, helping to ignite a sense of purpose and combat isolation. Our previous Wicklow Time Machine has shown us some incredible moments of joy and really highlighted the power of connection.
Whether you’re a teacher or youth worker, or you simply have a passion for community- this project is for you.
“The young people and their youth worker really enjoyed the piece and would love to build on this when they are able to meet in person again. It has been a real eye opening experience for them and myself seeing the joy the area has brought to so many people even in the toughest of times.” – Ciara, Wicklow Time Machine Community Organiser.
Get in touch!
Join the project today by contacting [email protected] with the subject line ‘Westmeath Time Machine’. We’ll be in touch with everything you need to know and help you get your project off the ground.
We hope to hear from you!