Magic Tree - DAWN Arts

The Magic Tree represents our most recent partnership with the DAWN Arts consortium in the housing market renewal areas in Oldham. This is another example of active participation in the design and implementation of a piece of permanent public art. The Magic Tree is sited in a prominent position in a newly created Home Zone.

"The Magic Tree project brought together schoolchildren, elderly residents and builders. It is an example of the community working in partnership with a range of professionals, to enhance the fabric of the environment. Derker is going through a process of change, some of that change is negative, for example empty homes waiting to be demolished. The project recognised the negative but focussed on the positive - new buildings, skilled workers and a changing skyline.

Hopes and aspirations for the area were expressed in workshops facilitated by Action Factory and captured in ceramic leaves that were then painted and fired. McInerney Homes gave money and loaned expertise. They were not 'outsiders' in the process of change, they were part and parcel of the changing landscape.

The project helped to engage the community and businesses in a complex process of change with a very positive and lasting outcome of public art."

Julie Thompson, Derker Programme Manager, Housing Market Renewal.

"McInerney are pleased to have been involved with the Magic Tree project at our Stoneleigh Development in Derker. The quality of the finished work is a credit to Action Factory Community Arts and the children of Stoneleigh Primary School, Count Hill Secondary School, Mayfield Primary School, The Grange Residential Home, Youthworks Linking Schools Group and Youth Club, whose combined efforts have produced a very special work of art.

Our Eco-Homes development at Stoneleigh is a fine example of what can be done when the public and private business sectors work together with a common goal, and the positioning of the Magic Tree sculpture within the 'home-zone' can be a permanent reminder of this achievement.

From a business point of view, the sponsorship we provided was a small price to pay for the positive publicity which acrues from our involvement, and we will certainly consider similar projects on other developments in the future.

I would like to thank the Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Team, Action Factory Community Arts, Community Links and Arts and Business for their efforts and for the fine piece of work which now graces our Stoneleigh scheme."

Gerry Sweeny - Managing Director, McInerney Homes