Magic Lantern
Analysis
Magic Lantern is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in August 1995, 31 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and arts/culture/heritage/science, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. Legally it is a charitable trust. It says it provides services.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Magic Lantern reported income of £60k and spending of £51k, spending 85% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income grew from £42k to £60k (+41%), an average of +9.0% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2023, when income rose by 57%. Over the whole period it spent 89% of the income it received.
Among 17,634 England and Wales charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Magic Lantern sits at the 72nd percentile: it is larger than about 72% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 63rd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Grand Plan (£60k), The Maximum Life Youth Project (£60k) and Hundred Flower Cultural Centre (£60k).
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
Magic Lantern runs interactive art history workshops in schools and a range of adult groups including prisons, homeless centres and hospices. We show that anyone can understand and enjoy art. We also show how art can enhance and bring to life any curriculum subject or topic and can help develop a range of life skills including problem solving, critical thinking, communication and confidence.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Plan | London | £60k |
| The Maximum Life Youth Project | Hull | £60k |
| Hundred Flower Cultural Centre | London | £60k |
| The Offa's Dyke Association | Powys | £60k |