Embedded Files
In early 2010, Charity Shop DJ was invited by the Northampton Volunteering Centre to develop a bespoke project aimed at fostering new communication between individuals of different ages and backgrounds within the city. The initiative also sought to boost volunteer participation in local projects.
Over a two-week period, artists Owain Wilson, Nicci Wilson, and Andy Jupp facilitated workshops across three locations in Northampton. Utilising music, lyrics, and visual arts, they explored the shared life experiences that transcend generational divides.
The project brought together students from Kingsthorpe Community College and older residents from various parts of the city, including those from St. Crispin Retirement Village. Participants engaged in mutual interviews through questionnaires, created video and photographic records of their interactions, and even choreographed dance routines inspired by each other's musical preferences.
Creativity flourished as attendees designed album sleeve art for their own imaginary bands. Sessions were recorded for the school's "Radio Club," and plans were initiated to unite the school and retirement village choirs for future collaborative performances.
Reflecting on the experience, a younger participant remarked, "It showed me older people and younger people aren't so different after all." An older attendee shared, "I see teenagers in a different light now." One Kingsthorpe College student noted, "We were expecting them to be deaf, to fall asleep all the time and to be in wheelchairs. We didn’t expect them to be dancing. Young people aren't so different; we easily got along."
Commissioned as part of the Government's "Generations Together" initiative and building upon previous work with Nottingham Trent University, this project exemplified the power of intergenerational engagement. Charity Shop DJ extended heartfelt thanks to the Northampton Volunteering Centre and all participants for an unforgettable experience.
The Artwork
The Artwork
During the workshops, both younger and older participants collaborated to produce artwork for the debut releases of their fictional bands. By blending elements of the old and new, they discovered common ground and forged new friendships. As the Kingsthorpe students proudly declared, "Kingsthorpe College and St. Crispin Retirement Village United!"
What People Said
What People Said
Older people about younger:
"They were fantastic today - the young lads were so outgoing and confident and knew so much about music".
"I see teenagers in a different light now – different to how we were. In our day lads climbed trees and went out playing all day. They are so much more confident than we were then."
Younger people about older people:
"Some people know a lot more music than I thought."
"It showed me older people and younger people aren't so different after all."
From the Northampton Volunteering Centre:
"I wasn't sure what I was expecting for each session but it definitely exceeded it. The project worked brilliantly ! " Northampton Volunteering Centre Project Leader.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse