The Spell Series
Young people we were invited to think of a spell they would like to cast on their town and to work out the most effective ingredients to cast it with.
Their spells were positive, creative and kind, reflecting the world they wish to live in. Each of them was written into the canopy of We Shadows and were then developed into additional creative opportunities which were opened up to a wider group of young people.
Spells for change written in Stratford upon Avon
Love
- A bellyful of butterflies
- 1 hair Harry Styles
- 2 flushed cheeks
Be Kind
- A pair of someone else's shoes
- 1 spoonful squashed rumours
- A shower of compliments
A Cure for Climate Change
- 2 squirts fresh air
- Reduction of carbon footprints
- Seeds for change
Goodtimes
- 3 handfuls of handstands
- A friend sized pizza
- 4 dancing feet
Happy Being you
- A mirrorful of smiles
- 1/2 cup self-raising flowers
- 1 fingerprint
Equality and Inclusivity
- equal measures of care
- 1tsp of rainbow juice
- 2 blank pages
The Spell Series has already shown how everyday places can host arts and cultural activities in Stratford and build links with local schools and organisations, binding people and place.
Why not join in and write your own spell? It’s easy to download the worksheet below and write as many spells as you please!
Download the We Shadows worksheet (PDF, 273 KB)
Young people of all ages have been supported by local artists to provide the creative energy of this project either as:
- spell writers
- TikTok video stars and producers
- paper artists making their own paper flowers
- make-believers who joined an imaginary woodland and made their own wands from recycled fabric and twigs.
A Cure for Climate Change
As part of this project, young people seeded a wildflower meadow at Stratford Recreation ground. This was constructed with the support of Stratford District Council and bought the #CureforClimate Change spell to life. The seeding took place alongside a fun and interactive workshop with storytelling and eco plant pot making.
See the Spell Series TikTok stars shine in this series of videos.
The installation at Stratford Recreation Ground
