Magicana

Magicana is an arts organization dedicated to the exploration and advancement of magic as a performing art that was founded in 2000 by David Ben, a Canadian stage magician, author, and magic historian, with support from the Slaight Family Foundation. The Magicana website is the organization’s digital hub, and features hundreds of carefully categorized rare magic videos, along with other magic ephemera, including a series of digital exhibitions that showcase the life and work of notable magicians and well-known magic tricks. Magicana also publishes fine art books and the magazine Magicol, which are available for sale on the site.

Magicana is the administrative body for the Allan Slaight Awards, which celebrates exceptional achievements in magic by individuals and organizations across the globe. Created in 2015, the awards provide a total of $50,000 a year across five categories and accepts submissions from performers, creators, writers, designers, and anyone else with an interest in magic, wherever they reside or perform.

Magicana also offers local outreach programs for both children and senior populations. For young people, specifically at-risk youth and children in hospitals, the program aims to build self-esteem, self-confidence, physical dexterity and creativity as children learn how to perform magic tricks. For older generations, specifically isolated seniors, the program strives to actively engage seniors, support their community, and connect generations by offering a group activity that all can participate in, enjoy and most importantly, talk about later.  

The organization also produces theatrical shows and presentations that raise the public’s awareness and appreciation of magic as an art, staging various conferences, seminars and workshops on magic and its history. These are designed for both those experienced in the craft, and for those who are just beginning. We work with magicians, magic enthusiasts and magic historians worldwide who document and discuss this venerable art.