Our Open Learning Programme team held a very successful launch last week of their civic engagement teaching and co-research project Translating Age. The joyous event included music from Donna Nalongo (pictured). The project sought to explore the lives and contributions of older migrant women as they forged new lives in Northern Ireland, through a variety of creative mediums including poetry, prose, crafts and dance. The art pieces are the culmination of a series of credit-bearing arts-based workshops with facilitators.

Professor Sir Ian Greer described the project as “not just a showcase of artistic talent, but a profound sharing of personal histories and collective experiences.” He added:

“It is a testament to the power of art in bridging cultural divides, celebrating resilience and opening conversations around inclusion, identity, and the valuable contributions of migrant communities to our society. This project is a great example of how Queen’s continues to build on its work as a Civic University.”

School of SSESW academic Professor Tess Maginess, project director and coordinator, and Dr Federica Ferrieri (right) were the project leads. Artist facilitators were film maker Karen Kinghan and creative writing tutor Louise McIvor. The project will be evaluated by Asma Niazi.

Funding was generously provided through the Engaged Research Fund, the Economic and Social Research Council, Impact Acceleration funds, Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility at Queen’s University and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Tess Maginess said:

“Labels around gender, age and migrant status can often come loaded with preconceptions. Our goal was to facilitate the women to register their often unheard voices and to celebrate their contributions to our society. The project really challenges stereotypes and prejudice by demonstrating the complexity and resilience of women’s experiences. They have much to teach us all.”

You can read more about Translating Age on the project platform or watch a video about their work.