Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis launched.

It trembles rages, and raves. Rising it moves the welling stream.
Humanity is in key, and we find a safe place, sounds echoes voices of grace.
An orchestra of friends give chance.
The space on which the chorus danced
- Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland have announced support through funding of their Intercultural Arts Programme (ICAP) for five intercultural arts projects across NI.
Since 2015, ICAP has helped facilitate many of the goals set by the NI Executive for social change; building social cohesion, tackling inequality, racism and developing integrated community planning.

"We are delighted to announce the latest five recipients of Intercultural Arts Programme funding. At the heart of the programme is a commitment to help build Northern Ireland's social capital through the arts. It is heartening to make lottery funding available for this, following the very successful previous 3-year programme and we look forward to seeing the new projects come to life."
- Fionnuala Walsh, Head of Community and Participatory Arts, ACNI

Beyond Skin have been announced as one of the 5 recipients. This will fund our innovative project Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis (Orchestra of Refugees & Friends). This 18-month project creates a space for artists in Refugee or Asylum status to meet, colaborate, socialise and get creative. They engage, experiencing one anothers' different cultures, heritages and backgrounds all whilst working with professional musicians. Those who take part will also have the opportunity to perform at public events and develop their own events.

Another purpose of the project is empowerment. The participants are encouraged, trained and their confidence developed so they will deliver a series of Refugee awareness workshops using their musical skills to communicate, explore and engage with community groups, clubs and schools, aiming to increase awareness of global culture.

"The Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis has been a long time in the making and is more relevant and needed now than ever before. Whilst not an orchestra in a traditional sense, it will be a space where musicians can work together, collaborate and form groups. With music at the centre of this project, it strengthens the important role of the arts as an instrument for positive change."
- Darren Ferguson, Beyond Skin

One of the key people helping to deliver the project is Joby Fox, a local singer songwriter who has been activity working on the frontline in Lesbos Greece helping Refugees.
Joby Fox commented:
"It's a real joy for me to work with Beyond Skin on this project. It is something very close to my heart. I've a natural interest in the music of other cultures. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with some amazing people from around the world, and to be challenged creatively."

The first series of Awareness workshops have started in Fort William Youth Club and are also due to start in Antrim and Newtownabbey as part of the Summer Intervention programme supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Good Relations.

IBIS Belfast Hotel as an in-kind sponsor of Beyond Skin has also given their full support to the project offering a meeting place, hospitality and promotion of the project.
A spokesperson from Ibis Belfast City Centre said:
"The work of Beyond Skin plays a significant part in making our world a better place and we are thrilled to be a part of it. We have the pleasure of welcoming guests of all cultures under our roof sharing ideas and coming together through the magic of music."

The Refugee Network Radio station will also be supporting the project through podcasts and radio.

Beyond Skin office Tel: 07877756987
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