ArtsEkta marked the successful completion of its Intergenerational Dialogue Engaging Arts (IDEA) programme with a celebratory music and dance showcase titled A World of Rhythm in Derry. The event highlighted the diverse cultural contributions of participants across age groups and communities.
The IDEA programme, delivered under the PEACEPLUS initiative and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Local Co‑Designed Action Plan, aimed to exceed its participation target and foster intercultural dialogue through music and dance. It reached more than double its original participation target, engaging schools, youth groups, care homes and colleges.
From March 2025 the project engaged primary schools such as Sion Mills Integrated, Oakgrove Integrated and Model Primary in exploring Indian, Chinese and Bulgarian traditions. These school‑based activities introduced young learners to music and dance from three distinct cultural backgrounds.
Youth organisations like YMCA Drumahoe and REACH Across introduced African Djembe drumming and Chinese lion and dragon dance, while older adults from care homes including Owenmor, Seven Oaks, Ardlough and Templemoyle participated in music and chair‑movement sessions that combined familiar songs with gentle movement. These sessions fostered social interaction, enjoyment and connection among participants of all ages.
Students from Lisneal College and St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College in Claudy studied Greek music before presenting a showcase at the Nerve Centre in March 2026, and North West Regional College added a Flamenco dance component. The collaborative projects allowed students to explore cultural heritage and develop performance skills.
Specialist masterclasses introduced participants to Irish harp, Kurdish Qanun, Greek bouzouki, mandolin, mandola and clarinet. These workshops gave musicians exposure to diverse musical traditions and encouraged cross‑cultural collaboration.
The closing celebration featured live performances such as a collaborative Irish‑Kurdish harp piece led by Lucia McGinnis, Appalachian singing by Amanda Koser, and an energetic Flamenco routine by Tina McCauley and Alba Flamenco. The programme also screened a documentary that captured the IDEA journey and the personal connections formed during the project.
Deputy Mayor Catherine McDaid praised the programme’s lasting legacy, noting that “the success of the IDEA Programme is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together through creativity,” and said its impact will continue beyond the project’s end. She emphasized that the initiative’s outcomes will sustain community ties and inspire future intercultural activities.
Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, ArtsEkta chief executive, highlighted that the initiative reached more than twice its original participation target and created lasting confidence, friendships and intercultural understanding among participants. She said the real achievement lies in the personal growth and connections that will endure long after the programme concludes.
The success reinforces ArtsEkta’s ongoing commitment to using creativity to build more welcoming, connected and inclusive communities.
Source: www.derrynow.com
