STORIES OF SANCTUARY SUNDERLAND
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Stories of Sanctuary is a touring performance piece of refugee stories and songs run by Citizen Songwriters. It began as a story and songwriting project in 2018 which emerged out of friendships between people seeking sanctuary from Syria, who had settled in Durham in the summer of 2016, and local residents from different walks of life.
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In May 2022, Stories of Sanctuary was brought to the residents of Sunderland, supported by Sunderland College and Sunderland Council. From glass makers to pilgrims, from shipbuilders to recently arrived sanctuary seekers, people have been arriving and shaping the culture of Sunderland for many centuries. The songs reflect Sunderland's rich history, written in community workshops including songs written by refugees living in Sunderland and the wider area.
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The community choir performed with Raghad Haddad from the National Syrian Orchestra at Sunderland College in June 2022, in celebration of Refugee Week. Since then, the Stories of Sanctuary project in Sunderland has continued to grow.
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2023 - Bridge Across the River Music Video
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With the help of professional animator Sheryl Jenkins, We Make Culture's Young Musicians and Field Music Studios, the Sunderland Stories of Sanctuary community created a music video for their original song, Bridge Across the River. This song celebrates what Sunderland means to these communities and its release followed the recent recognition of Sunderland as a city of sanctuary.
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The song was released in Refugee Week 2023 to honour the contribution, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
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2024 - 'Our Home' Tour
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The summer of 2024 saw singers from the Newcastle and Sunderland Stories of Sanctuary projects perform in four locations: Ripon Cathedral, Sunderland Minster, Newcastle Cathedral and at the Durham Fringe Festival. Along the way, the choir was joined by special guests such as Sean Cooney from The Young'uns, the National Syrian Orchestra’s Raghad Haddad and some musical performances were accompanied by live paintings by Hesam Moghfest.
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The concerts included a performance of 'Someday' by Bushee, the 2024 anthem of Refugee Week that is for anyone who is apart from their loved ones. Bushee translated the song from his native Burmese, and the song was released on Spotify last June. Bushee performed this catchy song alongside the Stories of Sanctuary choirs.
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