Music project will highlight Covid-19’s effect on the BAME community

A new arts project that will use music to raise awareness about the impact of Coronavirus on the Hull BAME community has got the green light, thanks to a Hull City Council arts grant.

Hull-based arts organisation, Create and Express Studios will use the £500 Grants to Arts award to launch the project this month, with music used as a tool to communicate and overcome language barriers.

Musicians from BAME backgrounds will be supported to compose songs in their native ethnic languages, sharing experiences in a Covid-19 safe environment.

This Saturday 19 September at 1pm, the project will launch online via Zoom, supported by faith leaders, community members, NHS and representatives from Hull City Council.

Ruth Drake, Arts Development Officer for Hull City Council, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Create and Express to develop this innovative music project, engaging new audiences in Hull as well as dealing with some very important issues.”

Farage Busara, Director and Project manager for Create and Express Community Studio, said: “We are excited about progressing from social media platforms to have a face-to-face discussion and utilise music as a tool to address this issue.

“I would like to thank the council, alongside the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund) and Hull CVS for making this possible.

Once complete, the compilation of recorded songs will be mastered and shared with wider BAME communities.

Anyone wanting to take part on the launch and the project can call Hekima on 07955 660 919 or email [email protected].

All project activities are subject to government Covid-19 guidelines.

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