World of Song
World of Song is a range of projects engaging people who are at different stages of the migration experience, including asylum seekers, refugees, and new migrants, to explore their music heritage and the creation of new music which expresses heritage.
As with almost all cultures, the writing of songs plays a significant role as communities begin to deal with and communicate their challenges as they arrive in a new country, whilst also coming to terms with the reasons for them having to leave their homelands in the first place; be it economic, conflict or environmental. As part of this project, we want the resources available at Band on the Wall and our Knowledge gained through the recent delivery of an NLHF funded activity project ‘Keep on Moving’, to support these families as they work through the process of integration into the UK.
Our major partner for this project is Manchester-based arts organisation and Arts Council England NPO Community Arts Northwest. CAN has led the field in community arts since 1978 and are at the cutting edge of intercultural arts practice. They have built deep, lasting connections with communities and artists across Greater Manchester, through developing unique, creative projects with people whose voices are not normally heard in the mainstream. CAN have particular expertise in arts and migration.
CAN and Band on the Wall have a long history of collaboration with BOTW a favourite venue for showcasing CAN Music heritage projects such as Exodus live performance events and HLP Lisapo (The Congolese’s Tales) with communities new to the region.
The project includes
Without Borders – A youth band project. Create a space for young people (age 13-18) from new migrant communities to meet weekly to rehearse and develop a band, with a permanent music leader ‘mentor’ and visiting facilitators with expertise in different aspect of music creation and the music industry.
Early Years Provision for Refugee Families – Provide early years’ music provision for families arriving to Manchester, for the wellbeing of parents and children, as a way of sharing heritage through music, and as an introduction to arts opportunities in Manchester and Band on the Wall as an organisation.
Mother Song, Father Song – Creating a welcoming environment for people recently arrived in Manchester to share their songs with each other in an informal ‘sing-around’. This is a universal aural tradition, a way of sharing story and experience through song.
Artist Development – Assist three musicians who are new migrants who have settled in Manchester to develop their careers, establish opportunities, and shine a light on their music and heritage, with a broad and exciting artist development programme.
Heritage Film – We are working with the renowned Afghan filmmaker Tamana Ayazi to produce a short film to document the migrant experience.
Celebration Event for Horizons Refugee Festival 2025 – In June 2025 BOTW and CAN co-produced a celebration event as part of Refugee Week, to include showcases involving the participant music groups and bands from the project.
This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
