We’re delighted to be among the portfolio of organisations supported by the Arts Council for the first time in the history of our organisation. Since 2010, we’re proud to have created amazing music, increasing wellbeing with over 9,000 survivors in Bosnia-Hercegovina, Palestine, Georgia (Caucasus), Ireland, Sweden, Estonia, Sierra Leone and the British Isles.
Our multi-award-winning creative programmes are a collaboration between facilitators and participants, with shared learning of music, language and culture throughout the process. The methodology was initially inspired by music programmes created with local people in post-conflict Bosnia-Hercegovina and has developed with input from refugees, asylum seekers, clinical therapists, teachers, academics and multilingual creative facilitators. Participant-led, collaborative creativity with a psycho-social approach is at the heart, delivered by people with lived experience of conflict from around the world.
‘The session increased the wellbeing of all (100%) of the participants observed.’ – Sally Fort, Culture Consultant & External Evaluator
This regular support from Arts Council England over the next three years will help us develop our innovative and life-changing music programmes – working with more people affected by war, torture and persecution.
‘Most important is to communicate that refugees are human beings, that we are fighting for our human rights through songs, raising awareness about how torture carries on in the UK because of the way we are viewed outside our own countries.’ – Frank, Stone Flowers
Congratulations to all our friends across the sector who’ve also received this important investment, and solidarity with those who didn’t receive the news they were hoping for.
With the refugee crisis happening on a major scale worldwide, there’s a real need to alleviate the stresses people experience and provide supportive opportunities to connect with new communities. We are working towards a fairer and more equal society, by rebuilding lives through music and inspiring audiences to create more inclusive communities.
‘It was the first time I put myself in their shoes. I felt very emotional’ – Audience Member, Stone Flowers
We can reach more people with your help! If you would like to support our work, please click on the boxes below. Thank you so much for your support, it really means a lot.
Music Action International Team. xx
