Tuesday, 7 July 2009
10/06/09 C.F.C.
The 10th June saw us pay a visit to the 'Merge Centre' based in the C.F.C. church on the Belmont Road. The centre gives young people an opportunity to 'hang out' after school. Facilities include pool tables, table tennis, Tv, internet and gaming facilities. A lot of stuff to amuse most teenagers. However the relative 'peace and tranquality' of the afternoon was soon to be shattered, the Motion Project were in town!!!!! The instruments were unpacked, assembled and brought into action. Before too long the room was jumping with the sound of drums....Great fun. The musical interaction has become a great 'ice-breaker', removing the barriers between the musicians and those attending. A great way to set up a Q&A session which is what happened next. The musicians really enjoy answering questions about their homeland (India, Poland,Zimbabwe and S. Africa), removing myths that may exist. These sessions can bring up many issues, and generally help to create a better understanding about different cultures, and the many reasons why someone from a different country would want to come and live in the province. The session lasted approximately 2 hours, hopefully those who attended found it both informative and fun.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
27/05/09 Elmgrove Community Group
This was day one of what became a five week program. We met with the Elmgrove Community Group and discussed how we could explore the culture of East Belfast and in what way we could represent it visually. We brought along Emma-Louise Hutchinson (local artist) to facilitate the project. It was generally agreed that it was important to draw from the 'industrial history' of the area, whilst trying to find a way to show the changes that are taking place. The group wanted to find a way to show a link between the past, the present and the future. Quite a few concepts were discussed but the one that proved to be most popular was the idea of dressing/decorating an elmgrove tree, situated within the grounds of the school. It was felt that the tree was a perfect platform from which to begin. The 'roots' could represent both the parents of the pupils and also the community, the trunk of the tree was the link to the leaves, which represented the children/future.
The next step was to determine what materials would be suitable. They had to be able to withstand the 'elements' (outdoors), and hopefully be durable, as the group would be keen to develope the project on an ongoing basis. After much discussion it was decided to create a mosaic to represent the 'roots'. White tiles were chosen and each person in the group painted something that they felt represented the culture of East Belfast (Titanic, Shorts, H&W, Sunblest etc:) After carefully painting the tiles, they were baked in the oven, and then 'Smashed' with a hammer (some people seemed to enjoy this more than they should!!!!!). Roots were created using wooden boards. The broken tiles were then stuck to the boards, creating the mosaic. The pupils of the P7 classes became involved by creating leaves using plastics and fine wire. Nuts, bolts and various other small objects were entwined into the leaves. Very colourful and creative. All that was left was to hang the leaves from the branches of the tree, and to place the mosaic 'roots' upon the ground. No prizes for guessing who had to climb the ladder!!!!
The end result was colourful and creative. I believe it captured many aspects of East Belfast culture, both past and present. The materials used will last quite a while, a 'creative legacy'. A big 'thank you' to all those who took part.
The next step was to determine what materials would be suitable. They had to be able to withstand the 'elements' (outdoors), and hopefully be durable, as the group would be keen to develope the project on an ongoing basis. After much discussion it was decided to create a mosaic to represent the 'roots'. White tiles were chosen and each person in the group painted something that they felt represented the culture of East Belfast (Titanic, Shorts, H&W, Sunblest etc:) After carefully painting the tiles, they were baked in the oven, and then 'Smashed' with a hammer (some people seemed to enjoy this more than they should!!!!!). Roots were created using wooden boards. The broken tiles were then stuck to the boards, creating the mosaic. The pupils of the P7 classes became involved by creating leaves using plastics and fine wire. Nuts, bolts and various other small objects were entwined into the leaves. Very colourful and creative. All that was left was to hang the leaves from the branches of the tree, and to place the mosaic 'roots' upon the ground. No prizes for guessing who had to climb the ladder!!!!
The end result was colourful and creative. I believe it captured many aspects of East Belfast culture, both past and present. The materials used will last quite a while, a 'creative legacy'. A big 'thank you' to all those who took part.
Friday, 3 April 2009
31/03/09 R.N.I.B. Poetry/Homely Planet
Today we met up with a group of 'senior citizens', who meet regularly through the Royal National Institute Blind (RNIB). The topic of this morning's discussion was 'sectarianism and racism' in N.I. We were using both poetry and music to address the various issues that might arise. Once again we had Gordon Hewitt from 'Scream Blue Murmur' in the hot seat, the music was provided by Wilson and Binu from 'Beyond Skin'. Skye was in charge of'technical duties'. There were approximately 14 'senior citizens' in attendance.
After initial introductions, Gordon got the show up and running by reading a 'light hearted' poem which took a look at the conflict in N.I. This started a very interesting debate regarding the use of comedy to address serious issues. It was generally accepted that one of the strengths of our culture was the ability to laugh at ourselves, and that humour was an another way to deal with atrocity. The group had strong opinions on how we should move forward, and as was to be expected, not every one shared the same point of view. Concerns were expressed about the number of people moving here. Understandably, fears were expressed about jobs, housing, benefits etc. However most agreed that a lot could be learnt from meeting and talking to people from foreign countries. Poems were written, drums were played and (I think) a good time was had by all.
After initial introductions, Gordon got the show up and running by reading a 'light hearted' poem which took a look at the conflict in N.I. This started a very interesting debate regarding the use of comedy to address serious issues. It was generally accepted that one of the strengths of our culture was the ability to laugh at ourselves, and that humour was an another way to deal with atrocity. The group had strong opinions on how we should move forward, and as was to be expected, not every one shared the same point of view. Concerns were expressed about the number of people moving here. Understandably, fears were expressed about jobs, housing, benefits etc. However most agreed that a lot could be learnt from meeting and talking to people from foreign countries. Poems were written, drums were played and (I think) a good time was had by all.
Monday, 30 March 2009
25/03/09 Orangefield Primary School
Today saw us return to Orangefield P.S. (my old school), to pay a visit to one of the P7 classes. The purpose of the visit was to record a program for Homely Planet radio. The content of the program was based on the pupils understanding of 'diversity'. We spent approximately 1.5 hrs with the pupils and it proved to be one of the most successful visits to date.
The pupils were well prepared for our visit. They sang songs about foreign countries, they had written poems, told stories and asked loads of questions to members of our team (Skye, Wilson & Vincente). The material just kept coming. We were continually surprised by their knowledge, and willingness to express themselves. They had brought several traditional costumes in (very colourful). All in all a terrific morning finished off with a good old blatter on the hand drums.
A specia l'thank you' must go to Mrs Luney (teacher) who had obviously worked very hard on preparing the pupils for our visit.
The pupils were well prepared for our visit. They sang songs about foreign countries, they had written poems, told stories and asked loads of questions to members of our team (Skye, Wilson & Vincente). The material just kept coming. We were continually surprised by their knowledge, and willingness to express themselves. They had brought several traditional costumes in (very colourful). All in all a terrific morning finished off with a good old blatter on the hand drums.
A specia l'thank you' must go to Mrs Luney (teacher) who had obviously worked very hard on preparing the pupils for our visit.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
11/03/09 Homely Planet/Connecting Cultures
This morning we returned to Elmgrove Primary School to record a radio program for Homely Planet . We met with the community group who meet at the school every Wednesday morning, the purpose of the program was to create an opportunity for the group to learn a little bit more about life in a different country. The program was facilitated by Zora Molyneaux of Connecting Cultures, and on the panel we had Skye Bompas (South Africa), Yueping Fang (China), and Vincente Ziritt (Venezuela).
The morning got off to a great start, the usual hospitality had been provided (coffee, cake, buns !!!). Yeuping played a 'traditional piece' of music on his chinese violin (Ehru) followed by a rousing rendition of Tell Me Ma!!!!! This eased us in to the debate. Skye, Yueping and Vincente enlightened us about life back home in their native land. They explained how they came to be living in Belfast and how they have found living here. All three felt very comfortable living in Belfast, they felt welcome (the people are very friendly) and, surprisingly, very safe. In fact they felt the streets of Belfast were much safer than the streets of their homelands. One explaination for this was that the standard of living here was higher than back home. They each described stories of violence linked to poverty (muggings, murder , etc;). Lack of social benefits in S. Africa creates many problems. The questions started to come thick and fast. Topics such as employment, social welfare, religion, education all were discussed. Some myths were answered and I think it is fair to say that everyone left with a better understanding of life in these particular countries. It was also significant that all three speakers stated that they had no plans to return to their homeland within the near future, they felt that life here had more to offer!!!!
The morning got off to a great start, the usual hospitality had been provided (coffee, cake, buns !!!). Yeuping played a 'traditional piece' of music on his chinese violin (Ehru) followed by a rousing rendition of Tell Me Ma!!!!! This eased us in to the debate. Skye, Yueping and Vincente enlightened us about life back home in their native land. They explained how they came to be living in Belfast and how they have found living here. All three felt very comfortable living in Belfast, they felt welcome (the people are very friendly) and, surprisingly, very safe. In fact they felt the streets of Belfast were much safer than the streets of their homelands. One explaination for this was that the standard of living here was higher than back home. They each described stories of violence linked to poverty (muggings, murder , etc;). Lack of social benefits in S. Africa creates many problems. The questions started to come thick and fast. Topics such as employment, social welfare, religion, education all were discussed. Some myths were answered and I think it is fair to say that everyone left with a better understanding of life in these particular countries. It was also significant that all three speakers stated that they had no plans to return to their homeland within the near future, they felt that life here had more to offer!!!!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
10/02/09 iME @ Ashfield Girls School
Today we were given an opportunity to visit Ashfield Girls School and it goes without saying that once again, we had a blast. For one of our team (Erin) it was an emotional return to her old school. Of course this gave me the chance to embarrass her to the max!!!! Unfortunately we were unable to find any of her former teachers who would say anything against her, a model pupil (we expected nothing less).
Upon arrival we hi-jacked the music room, a tight squeeze considering there were approximately 20 pupils, 2 teachers, 6 musicians, 2 photographer's, loads of musical equipment and Erin!!! Cosy to say the least. Within a few minutes we were up and running. The music room was vibrating with the sound of instruments from all around the world. The pupils very quickly got into the spirit of the occassion, joining in enthuastically. Any opportunity to make as much noise as possible!!!
The day belonged to Ganesh. Let me explain. He has just returned from a visit to his homeland (India) and whilst out there he purchased several new drums. Today was his first opportunity to put them to the test, and he did not hold back. I have being known to play the drums quite loudly, but nothing prepared me for the 'crack' that exploded from the 'chenda'. I think one or two of us jumped out of our skins. Thanks Ganesh!!!!
Apart from talking about, and playing the instruments, the pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions to the musicians about life 'back home', (India, Zimbabwe, South Africa....Ardglass!!!) It's amazing what can be learnt from these sessions.
A big 'thank you' to all at Ashfield who made our visit possible. We had a great time, we hope you did too!!!!!!
Upon arrival we hi-jacked the music room, a tight squeeze considering there were approximately 20 pupils, 2 teachers, 6 musicians, 2 photographer's, loads of musical equipment and Erin!!! Cosy to say the least. Within a few minutes we were up and running. The music room was vibrating with the sound of instruments from all around the world. The pupils very quickly got into the spirit of the occassion, joining in enthuastically. Any opportunity to make as much noise as possible!!!
The day belonged to Ganesh. Let me explain. He has just returned from a visit to his homeland (India) and whilst out there he purchased several new drums. Today was his first opportunity to put them to the test, and he did not hold back. I have being known to play the drums quite loudly, but nothing prepared me for the 'crack' that exploded from the 'chenda'. I think one or two of us jumped out of our skins. Thanks Ganesh!!!!
Apart from talking about, and playing the instruments, the pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions to the musicians about life 'back home', (India, Zimbabwe, South Africa....Ardglass!!!) It's amazing what can be learnt from these sessions.
A big 'thank you' to all at Ashfield who made our visit possible. We had a great time, we hope you did too!!!!!!
27/01/09 Short Strand Community Centre
Today saw us visit the Short Strand Community Centre, to create the usual chaos, disguised in the form of an iME. The purpose of the event was to work with two groups of young people, one from the Newtownards Road and the other from Short Strand addressing diversity in the community. Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, one group could not attend. However those that were there willingly joined in, creating a lot of noise, fun and laughter. They met musicians from Iran, Switzerland, Zimbabwe as well as a couple of local artists. A good time had by all.
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