Find out more about our new Ageing Creatively Coordinator Amy Pattison in this exclusive interview...
Tell us about the projects you’ve done with older people previously.
Previously, when working for Hat Fair Festival, I managed a project made with local people in their 80s and 90s. Stories and memories were shared over the course of interviews conducted with community participants by Flintlock Theatre which were then shaped by the company, co-produced by Hat Fair, into a piece of site specific theatre named ‘Four Score Years and Ten’ which toured to community venues. The project was so rewarding and the stories that were shared were very special, projects that share and celebrate people and their lives are my favourite to work on. The show is touring again really soon, I believe, so catch it if you can!
Another of my favourite projects was directing a group named Silver Stage, which was a performance group for older adults. Working with the group on new and contemporary pieces, challenging them to explore new ways of working and seeing them rise to the challenge was a highlight of my week!
What’s your highlight of our Ageing Creatively programme?
ALL OF IT. The Ageing Creatively offer is really strong already and I’m so impressed by the breadth of projects and classes available. Saying that, since reading some incredibly touching and, at times, incredibly funny poetry from our schools/care home poetry project, Words Together, that might just scoop it as my favourite! As I have also worked quite a bit in schools and in youth theatre, I am passionate about young people and believe strongly in the power and positivity of intergenerational projects like this one.
What do you look forward to adding to our Ageing Creatively provision?
Enthusiasm, expanding the programme to offer more brilliant projects, helping to challenge perceptions of age and celebrate individuality and creativity. Keep an eye out here for more information about upcoming projects.
What do you recommend taking up at the Learning Centre in the autumn season?
There really is something for everyone at the Learning Centre; if you’re a grandparent with the children over the holidays, why not pop into our grandparents lantern making sessions? And if you’ve always wanted to try your hand at singing then our friendly ‘no experience necessary’ Choir is for you!
Ageing Creatively is looking for new artists to work with, if you think you can add to the programme contact Amy at amyp@cornexchangenew.co.uk