CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Photo Illusions Created by Homeless Young Scots go on Show

An exhibition of mind-bending photographic illusions created by young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, opens in Edinburgh just before Christmas.

Photo Illusions Created by Homeless Young Scots go on Show

Article Source: Scottish Festivals PR
Last Updated: 18 December 2019 11:37

Mind-Bending Photo Illusions Created by Homeless Young Scots go on Show

See trailer Here.

An exhibition of mind-bending photographic illusions created by young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, opens in Edinburgh just before Christmas.

The Power of Perspective features a host of striking images that play with perceptions and perspectives – with shadow people flying real balloons and juggling coloured balls and “invisible” people reflected in water.

The project involved a group of 16 to 25-year-olds from around Scotland supported by the Rock Trust who worked with illusion expert Professor Richard Wiseman and the Edinburgh International Magic Festival – known as MagicFest.

Running from 22 December to 26 January, and free to see, The Power of Perspective is being hosted at two venues.

The photos will be displayed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and visitors can then go into The Museum of Edinburgh to find out the secrets behind how the illusions were created.

Prof. Wiseman, who is also the writer of the MagicFest children’s show You Are Magic, said: “I really enjoyed working with these young people – they had such enthusiasm and imagination. The pictures they have created are superb and it will be really fun for visitors to see if they can work out how some of the illusions were created.

“Illusions help people to perceive the world in a different way, and I hope that will happen here. Likewise, it is important that we make myths surrounding homelessness vanish and replace them with a more accurate way of seeing what’s really going on.”


The Power of Perspective is an outreach project being run as part of the 10th annual MagicFest, which is bringing magical events of all kinds to the city over Christmas and the New Year.

Organisers, Svetlana McMahon and her magician husband Kevin Quantum, believe that sharing the skills involved in magic can bring major benefits to young people.

Svetlana said: “Looking at these photos you can see straight away how much the young people have learned – it takes a lot of skill to create photographic illusions.

“This was a brilliant way for them to gain confidence by getting involved with something that is really creative, lots of fun and got great results. They have every reason to be very proud that the illusions they have created are being included in a public exhibition.

“We really hope that the project can help these young people to be seen and heard and contribute to their transition to adulthood while avoiding or moving on from homelessness.”


Rock Trust is a youth homelessness charity that has been based in Edinburgh since 1991. As part of its youth development services in Edinburgh, it runs weekly groups for young people that focus on skill-development and creating new opportunities. A significant aspect of this involves working in partnership with other local groups and organisations, to increase participants’ networks and open new doors.

The partnership with MagicFest has been a successful example, offering young people attending the group a chance to develop their photography skills and work alongside professional magicians, illusionists and photographers.

Kate Polson, Rock Trust CEO, said: “Providing our young people with opportunities to develop their skills and share their perspectives is an integral part of what we do at Rock Trust and we were delighted to work with Edinburgh Magic Festival on this project.

“The final pieces that have been produced are phenomenal and the young people involved are rightly proud of what they’ve created. We would highly recommend everyone go along and see the exhibition in person.”


One of the youth participants added: “Being involved in this project and having the opportunity to play a small part in how homeless young people and homelessness are viewed has been very humbling and rewarding. I hope this exhibition will show we are just young people who have had bumps in the road and no one is safe or immune from the grasps of homelessness, it can happen to anyone. This exhibition and these illusions aim to show how we feel and our opinions.”

The exhibition is just one of the attractions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre during the festive season.

Daniel Abercrombie, Programme & Events Manager, Scottish Storytelling Centre, said: “For the second year running we are pleased to partner with MagicFest to see our exhibition wall covered in the young people’s illusions and tricks. How did they do it? I have no idea, but it looks great fun!”

Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Convener of Culture and Communities said: “This exhibition is a fantastic example of a positive collaboration between our city’s venues, museums and galleries and one of our exciting local festivals.

“Once visitors have seen the mind-boggling images in the Scottish Storytelling Centre they can visit us in the Museum of Edinburgh to see what was involved in their creation. A fascinating insight, everyone can appreciate the new skills learned as well as all the hard work by the young people that has been put into the exhibition. Come along and witness the magic”
.

See the exhibition:

• Where: Enjoy the illusions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR and then see how they were created at the Museum of Edinburgh 142-146, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD.
• When: Sunday 22 December to Sunday 26 January.
• Entry: Free.
• Times: See magicfest.co.uk website for exact opening hours during holiday season.

Funding partners and sponsors: Jessops, Kiran’s Trust, Scotmid, University of Hertfordshire. Venue partners: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.


Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Link
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
MNB
Fayre Play

Latest Edinburgh News

DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed Gold DofE Award holders to The Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning at a very special event to mark their achievements.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres celebrates history of Kings Theatre with launch of The Peoples Archive

Capital Theatres has today launched The People’s Archive, a digital exhibition that celebrates the rich history and cultural legacy of the King’s Theatre.

READ MORE
Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

Mother and Daughter duo crowned ultimate Stitch fans in Edinburgh

A Disney-loving mum and her one-year-old daughter have been crowned Edinburgh’s biggest Stitch fans after winning a competition hosted by Fort Kinnaird.

READ MORE
Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet

Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

READ MORE
Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Fife & Forth Bridge Steam Train Journey Announced

Departing on Saturday 29th November 2025 at from Edinburgh Waverley, this enchanting lunchtime journey will be led by the iconic 60532 Blue Peter.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces  2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Programme

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced its programme of screenings and events for its 2025 edition.

READ MORE
GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with first solar festival stage in Scotland

Party at the Palace will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music.

READ MORE
Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon announce a star studded line up for special 40th anniversary shows

Gilded Balloon has unveiled a huge line-up of comedy stars to take part in a special ‘40 Years of Fringe’ in conversation series, to celebrate the venue’s 40th anniversary.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Festival Footprint

Ahead of its programme launch on 2 July, EIFF venues will include Filmhouse, Cameo Cinema, Vue Omni and a new pop-up screen at National Galleries Scotland: National.

READ MORE
New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

New dining chapter begins at Edinburgh restaurant inspired by famous author

One of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre restaurants has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue.

READ MORE
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.

READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter

Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.

READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance

Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless

The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.

READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland

Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.

READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.

READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.

READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Paisley First
Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Escape The Past
Link
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
MNB
Fayre Play
Paisley First
Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Dinosaurs roar to life in a Jurassic takeover at Livingston Designer Outlet
Step into a Jurassic world of fun this summer at Livingston Designer Outlet where guests can enjoy a host of dinosaur-themed events, making it the ultimate day out to remember!
Adventure Cinema: Outdoor Cinema at Dalkeith Country Park
Adventure Cinema, the UK's largest outdoor cinema tour, returns this summer with incredible movies to watch under the sun and stars at Dalkeith Country Park!
Scotland Calling
Scotland Calling returns in 2026 for another punk-rock extravaganza, this time over 2 stages at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Saturday 25th April!
Chloe Petts: Big Naturals
Chloe Petts returns with a brand-new tour, and she's delving where she's never delved before: this is a show about sex. Catch her at The Stand Edinburgh on 4th March!
Belfast Brunch Co
Expect a fun fuelled afternoon filled with R’n’B favourites, sing-along classics and nostalgic dance moments with The Belfast Brunch Co. at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on 15th November!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall