We are currently developing a partnership with The Asylum and Refugee Council towards
Building Bridges, a participatory music project for newly arrived and British young people.
Building Bridgesaims to support the needs and aspirations of young asylum seekers and refugees aged 11 – 18 in Birmingham. This will be a community integration project targeting four Birmingham districts, Ladywood, Perry Barr, Hodge Hill and Hall Green. Through musical activity, the project aims to overcome fears and prejudice, and encourage new friendships, respect and trust. The project is designed to provide opportunities for the encouragement and development of citizenship, based on an idea of the citizen as someone with a voice, able to represent themselves with dignity. Whilst primarily targeting young asylum seekers and refugees, Building Bridges will also seek the participation of young people from indigenous and long-established communities, fostering a cooperative culture and encouraging young people to develop leadership and advocacy skills.
Though this is in the early stages of development at the moment, we are hoping to involve exiled musicians trained through Infusion in the delivery of this programme.