WHAT is the project?
Translating Age explored the experiences of older migrant women in Northern Ireland, using arts-based approaches and co-research approaches, where the women created their own arts projects.
Aims:
- To reduce the inequality and exclusion of older migrant women;
- To offer capacity building and new skills to participants using an arts-based co-research approach;
- To build partnerships locally, regionally and internationally which foster intercultural understanding and understanding towards older people;
- To foster intergenerational working.
WHO is involved?
The project has brought together from a wide range of cultures and places, including China, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malta, South Africa. Each woman has her unique story. Over 20 women enrolled and some 13 created their own projects.
The project was coordinated by Professor Tess Maginess (Director, Open Learning Programme) and Dr Federica Ferrieri (Public Engagement Officer, CESR).
The artist-facilitators were film maker, Karen Kinghan; creative writing tutor, Louise McIvor, and literature creative writing tutor, Tess Maginess.
HOW was the project delivered?
The women came together for two sets of workshops (5 x 2 hours in each set). These workshops were accredited within Queen’s Open Learning Programme (10 credit points at level 1) so the participants all became students of the University.
In the first set of workshops, the women discussed and reflected on their own experiences and how these related to some literature which focused on older women and or migration.
In the second series, artist-facilitators worked with the group to empower them to create their own artistic representations, focused on their identity as women and older women and on their migration journey.
Project coordinator, Dr Federica Ferrieri, then set about designing this project website, which aims to showcase the artwork of the participants and offer insights into how we did the project as a guide for others, including an evaluation report.
WHERE was the project delivered?
The workshops took place in Queen’s University, Belfast, but there were many off campus informal learning opportunities as the facilitators met with some of the participants in their own homes.
WHEN was the project delivered?
The project commenced in the summer of 2023 and finished at the end of May 2024.
HOW was the project funded?
We are most grateful for the generous support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI), The ESRC Impact Acceleration Account (ESRC IAA), Engaged Research and Public Engagement Funds, within Queen’s University.
Project partners
The project had a steering group which included representatives from Age NI, Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI), University of the Third Age Northern Ireland Region (U3A NI), The Commissioner for Older People (COPNI) and the Nerve Centre.
