Hopefully all of you have heard about MARRS
Musicians Artists at Risk Resettlement Scheme www.marrs.world
Now one year in operation is has proven to be a very successful programme and as stated by a researcher “the most successful innovation I’ve come across regarding integration and acceptance of people seeking asylum”
This has been backed up by many testimonials and frequent media coverage and magazine articles (example above)
Video from recent event showcasing some of the artists supported via MARRS
https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSkinMedia/videos/1933800376977141
MARRS has
- To date engage over 200 people seeking asylum – most in detention centres that were once hotels
- In the past 48 hours 7 musicians/poet/dancer have been referred to us by NI Exec staff, a local council, ESOL Belfast Met, a Refugee agency. Average is 2 referrals to MARRS a day
- Over 100 guitars donated by public with 2 guitar clubs up and running and Cookstown to begin soon
- 11 people have begun placements with a company within their field of skills
- Daily creative collaborators ongoing with settled communities
- Various creative groups have formed. Example Eritrean Dance Troupe (in video)
Many famous musicians have also arrived to our shores and our friends within music industry are helping.
MARRS is becoming the No1 signpost for professional artists (musicians, visual artists, photographers, etc) arriving to our shores.
Our learning has been to meet people as soon as possible. Those we have helped say this is very important.
As with people arriving, having gone through a traumatic experience – being introduced to people in the creative industries as soon as they arrive gives them some hope and reassurance.
We are asking you all to communicate with us regarding referrals and are always up for a chat to share our learning & experience
Darren Ferguson
Beyond Skin
Creative Innovators in Peacebuilding:
“Enabling the Arts as the dialogue to assist the development of a more peaceful, equal and intercultural society free from racism & sectarianism.”
Belfast Carnival Centre
11-47 Boyd Street
Belfast
BT13 2GU
Northern Ireland
www.beyondskin.net
www.facebook.com/beyondskinmedia
