OUR PROJECTS (2020)
Here are our latest projects to date. If you would like to book Citizens Songwriters to deliver songwriting workshops to your community, event, charity etc. please drop us a line here.
Everywhere, twice a week
Citizen Songwriters' music facilitators Alex Summerson and Sam Slatcher are currently running Citizens Online: a series of online songwriting sessions to connect people during the Covid-19 crisis, supporting those who are isolated. Visit the Citizens Online page for more.
ONLINE SONGWRITING - FOR FEMALE CARERS
Mondays from 6pm, on Zoom
Join one of our music facilitators to develop song-writing skills, create original songs, and learn basic singing technique in a friendly and supportive environment.
Group music-making has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system. It brings communities together to reduce loneliness and isolation. It’s a great way to express your individuality and an excellent tool for mindfulness and relaxation!
This course is aimed at female carers of any age. The definition of ‘care’ is very broad and includes parental responsibilities and supporting isolating individuals. If in doubt, get in touch for a chat.
To register a place please email with the following information:
Name of course
Your Name and Date of Birth
Mobile Phone Number
Postcode
Any disability we should be aware of
We will respond with full details of how to access the class on Zoom. Access to the classes will only be given to those who register via email. Consent will be required from a parent / carer for anyone under 18 years of age.
Delivered by Jack Drums and funded by Spirit 2012’s Carers’ Music Fund, putting women and girls with caring responsibilities front and centre, offering them opportunities for fun, creative expression and (re)discovery of self through music-making.
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
Newcastle, West End
Citizen Songwriters' music facilitator Sam Slatcher and Charden Wakanda have been running sessions at Action Foundation's Inter-Action Drop-in sessions at West End Library, Newcastle (January 2019 - March 2019). The programme was funded by Arts Society Tyneside. Read more about the sessions here.
CREATIVE SONGWRITING AT OASIS
Gateshead, with Oasis Community Housing
Citizen Songwriter's music facilitator Sam Slatcher has been running weekly songwriting sessions with people experience homelessness at Oasis Community Housing, Gateshead. Five different songs were written collaboratively with individuals on their experiences of homelessness and the impact of their lives.
SOUND OUT SONGWRITING SESSIONS
Bishop Auckland, with Jack Drum Arts
Citizen Songwriters' music facilitator Sam Slatcher has been running weekly songwriting sessions with female carers in Bishop Auckland who are isolated due to their caring commitments (January 2019 - March 2019). The programme was run by Jack Drum Arts, funded by the Carers Fund.
OUR PROJECTS (2019)
Our first year as a registered Community Interest Company
In December 2019 we celebrated the first year anniversary of Citizen Songwriters! In January 2019 we hit our Crowdfund Campaign target to bring the Stories of Sanctuary performances to a further 5 cities across the U.K. Through the dedicated work of Sabah and Beth, our tour coordinators (bottom photo opposite page) two residential trips to Sheffield/Hull & Birmingham/Leicester brought songs of hope and courage to new audiences! You can read more about 2019 in our annual review.
STORIES OF SANCTUARY (UK TOUR)
10 venues, 1500 audience members!
The Stories of Sanctuary project took 15 participants to perform original songs in venues across the UK including Sheffield's Migration Matters Festival, Refugee Week in Hull and Leicester Cathedral for Journeys Festival International. Raghad Haddad, viola player from the National Syrian Orchestra, performed with the project, along with singer-songwriter Sam Slatcher.
“The young adults from Stories of Sanctuary who performed at the
Festival moved me to tears, not because their songs sought my pity
but because their lyrics were full of resilient courage and tender hope” (Rachel Parkinson, Festival organiser)
STRONGER COMMUNITIES MIDDLESBROUGH CHOIR
3 new songs written in community
Citizen Songwriters also partnered with Stronger Communities Middlesbrough (Middlesbrough Council) to create new songs on ‘Treasured Memories’ with residents from diverse backgrounds from three Middlesbrough neighbourhoods.
The songs were performed at Middlesbrough Mela in September (see photo below)
"Telling stories, putting people together from different backgrounds to tell their stories, sharing their experiences, it’s the most beautiful thing”
(Aisha, participant)
WELCOME TOWN
Stockton-on-Tees with ARC Stockton
In May—June 2019, Citizen Songwriters’ facilitator Sam worked with performance artist Natasha Davis on a project called ‘Welcome Town’. The project involved participatory workshops and a public, interactive installation on Stockton High Street which re-imagined how towns could provide truly humane care for displaced individuals.
