Residents at Belong Morris Feinmann watched in awe as the travelling light show spectacle, Mystery Bird, swooped in on their Didsbury care home, brightening their evening through a magical performance designed to lift local spirits during lockdown.
Brought to life by Quays Culture and a collective of North West artists, the special art installation features a giant birdcage filled with animated versions of local and endangered species crafted through a combination of paper art, projection, digital design and augmented reality.
The light show travelled to the care village in the style of a carnival float and residents watched from windows, balconies and socially-distanced outdoor areas as the birds fluttered around the cage before flying out into the wild. Accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack, the birds were projected on to surrounding buildings, trees and garden fences during the seven-minute performance and the team at Belong Morris Feinmann served mulled wine and festive treats throughout.
Co-creator and programme producer at Quays Culture, Gemma Saunders, said: “We have worked hard to create something beautiful and hopeful but still reflective of 2020 and the devastating impact of COVID-19. We’re particularly pleased to be bringing Mystery Bird to residential homes, such as Belong Morris Feinmann, and hope it brings some joy to the residents at the end of what has been a very tough year!”
The light installation proved the perfect start to the care village’s Chanukah celebrations, which also include virtual musical performances from the likes of Chetham’s School of Music, North Cheshire Jewish Primary School, SoundUp Arts, Silhouette, and West End performer Martin Kaye.
Speaking of this, Belong Morris Feinmann’s Experience Coordinator at, Angela Luckett, said: “Our residents enjoyed every minute of the show - they thought it was superb! It really was a wonderful way to mark the start of Chanukah, otherwise known as the festival of light, and we can’t thank Quays Culture enough for bringing Mystery Bird to us.”
To accompany the performance, Quays Culture also donated bird-themed activity packs for each resident, as well as supplies to encourage more birds to visit the care village garden.
Delivered in partnership with The Lowry theatre, Mystery Bird was created with the help of artists Helen Musselwhite, Jason Singh, Illuminos, M3 Industries and Jack Hardiker. The project was funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Arts Council England and AutumnCare UK.
