Presents
Bridging the Impossible
An online symposium about the science of magic, wellbeing and happiness
August 29, 2021
Register today for the full experience!
The £40 Early Bird ticket includes:
✔ A free ticket to Abracademy's Raising Resilience workshop
✔ 20% off the regular ticket price of £50
✔ Access to the magic and welllbeing podium discussion, hosted by the Science of Magic Association
General admission is £50 and students tickets are £1!
Expand your knowledge — explore the science behind magic and wellbeing.
Bridging the Impossible is open to anyone who believes that magic tricks can be used as a force for good, including:
- Scientists and researchers who want to learn about the positive impact of magic. This includes researchers seeking collaborations and scientists aiming to test new theories.
- Healthcare practitioners interested in learning about the latest science and generating ideas to generate in your own practice.
- People interested in personal growth who want to explore magic as a tool for self improvement.
- Magic charities and organisations who want to expand their knowledge and learn practical strategies to harness magic as a force for good.
- Magicians who are tired of only using magic for entertainment and want more meaningful, fulfilling experiences from their performances
Location
Virtual
Date & Time
August 29, 2021,
2:30 PM - 8:00 PM (UK time)
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (EST time)
2:30 PM - 8:00 PM (UK time)
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (EST time)
Speakers
Steven Bagienski
Magic and Wellbeing Researcher, Goldsmiths University of London
Magician, scientist and positive psychologist. Steve has conducted comprehensive literature reviews on magic and wellbeing. He's a recipient of the Richard Benjamin Trust studentship. And currently investigating the social and emotional experiences of magic.
Dr Linda Miller
GP, medical educator and coach
Linda's medical humanities doctoral research explores the use of arts in health and medical humanities for healthcare practitioner wellbeing, and reflection. She's interested in the potential of magic for wellbeing. She challenges the 'magical thinking' around professional mystique, a factor in practitioner burnout.
Harrison Pravder
MagicAid and Yale University
Researcher, magic enthusiast and physician. Harrison is VP and Research Director for MagicAid, an organisation using magic as therapy in childrens' hospitals. He's currently investigating the benefits of magic for patients and healthcare providers.
Richard Wiseman
Professor of Public Understanding of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire
Psychologist and a member of the Inner Magic Circle. Richard conducts research into magic, wellbeing, change and illusion. His books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and his YouTube channel has over 500 million views.
Dana Song
Design Researcher
Design researcher interested in designing playful experiences and an accessible digital healthcare service. Dana's postgraduate project presented a non-contact method of delivering magic-based occupational therapy.
Tom Verner
Magicians Without Borders
Tom founded Magicians Without Borders. They perform magic shows for children in refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals around the world. He often works in war-torn places where love, laughter and magic are desperately needed.
Jamie Balfour-Paul
Humanitarian Magician, Magic for Smiles
Jamie (stage name Jamie Jibberish) is the founder and magician at Magic for Smiles (MFS). MSF believes that teaching and performing magic improves the wellbeing of vulnerable, and traumatised children. They operate in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon.
Jason Leddington
Associate Professor of Philosophy, Bucknell University, and Marie Curie Fellow, University of Antwerp
Jason works in philosophical aesthetics, the philosophy of art and the philosophy of perception. His current primary research project is a philosophical investigation of magic.
Kevin Spencer
Educator, artist, consultant and researcher
Educator, artist, consultant, researcher and award-winning illusionist. Kevin stepped away from the stage, into classrooms and hospitals. He now focuses on using the art of magic to change the lives of individuals with a variety of disabilities. He has a certification in Autism Studies and is a Special Education PhD candidate. He's also an expert on arts integration for special populations. Plus a Research Consultant for the Institute for Arts in Medicine and the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Dr. Ben Levy
Consulting Educational Psychologist and Magician
Ben has created a new theory to explain the psychological components of effective task completion and is currently piloting this model in educational settings.
Ben is also a professional entertainer and member of the Magic Circle. Ben has created Mind Magic experiences that fuse conjuring and psychology, creating unique entertainment for corporate and private clients.
Ben is also a professional entertainer and member of the Magic Circle. Ben has created Mind Magic experiences that fuse conjuring and psychology, creating unique entertainment for corporate and private clients.
Jonas Cain
Purveyor of Positivity and Facilitator of Fascination, Hashtag Positivity
Jonas supports emerging leaders. He helps them foster a growth mindset, gain clarity of purpose and develop high value relationships.
Carlos Lopez
Global Programs Director, Magicians Without Borders
Global Programs Director of Magicians Without Borders. A systems engineer by training, for the last 10 years Carlos has dedicated himself to creating education chapters in big city slums. The programs use magic, technology and entrepreneurship.
Early bird special!
Get 20% off the standard ticket price.
Plus get access to an Abracademy workshop and the Science of Magic Association discussion!
Plus get access to an Abracademy workshop and the Science of Magic Association discussion!
Here's what you'll get from attending Bridging the Impossible...
- Practical magic and actionable exercises from Abracademy. For use in personal or professional settings.
- Interactive sessions designed to boost your progress.
- Science, research and ideas on how magic can shape our world for the better.
- Connect, converse and collaborate with like-minded people.
- Learn the benefits of magic. We'll cover physical, social, and psychological benefits, ranging from the treatment of pain to the cultivation of joy and fulfilment.
- Get different perspectives from organisations already having real-world impact.
- Explore the art of magic. Join SOMA's panel discussion to see how it applies to clinical settings and personal growth.
Sponsors
This event is brought to you by Abracademy and Goldsmiths University's MAGIC Lab, with support from the Science of Magic Association.
Why register now?
1This is the largest event ever on the science of magic and wellbeing!
We aim to close the gaps between those using magic for good in different spaces. Together, we can learn from each other and enhance the power of magic as a force for good.
2Meet innovators in the world of magic, wellbeing and happiness
This event brings together experts on psychology, wellbeing, and magic. People like Kevin Spencer, Steve Bagienski, Richard Wiseman, Harrison Pravder and many others. You’ll have access to these experts who conduct cutting-edge research and use magic to enhance happiness and wellbeing.
3Be a part of magic history...
This is the first ever online conference exploring the science of magic, wellbeing and happiness. We don’t have all the answers, but together we will shape the future of this growing field. What could be more rewarding than being one of the early pioneers?
4Get practical takeaways
During Abracademy's interactive activities, you'll experience a dose of magic applied to wellbeing. And you'll connect with other magic-minded professionals.
You'll receive practical takeaways and actionable resources including a list of funding organizations, summaries of empirical studies, and a snapshot of all the wellbeing focused magic organisations.
Early bird special!
Get 20% off the standard ticket price.
Plus get access to an Abracademy workshop and the Science of Magic Association's discussion!
Plus get access to an Abracademy workshop and the Science of Magic Association's discussion!
Where and how it's happening
This is an online event so you can join from the comfort of your own place!
Anywhere with a good internet connection and space to move will work great.
To not miss out on anything, prep yourself a meal and snacks in advance😋
If you have any questions or comments please email [email protected]