About Music in detention
Music in Detention: Bringing Hope and Healing Through Music
Music has the power to transcend boundaries, break down barriers, and connect people from all walks of life. It is a universal language that speaks to the heart and soul of humanity. For those who are locked up in UK immigration detention centres with no end date, music can be a lifeline that brings hope, healing, and a sense of belonging.
Music in Detention is an innovative charity that brings music-making into these centres to release the words, music and life stories of the people held inside. Founded in 2005 by Ph.D. researcher Sara Lee as part of her doctoral research at Goldsmiths College, University of London, Music in Detention has since grown into a thriving organization that has touched the lives of thousands.
Every year, over 28,000 people are detained under immigration powers in the UK. Many have fled persecution or conflict in their home countries and come seeking safety and protection on British shores. However, instead of being welcomed with open arms as refugees or asylum seekers should be according to international law - they find themselves locked up indefinitely without trial or charge.
Detainees face isolation from their families and communities; they suffer from anxiety about their future; they experience depression due to prolonged confinement; they feel powerless against an opaque system that seems designed to keep them trapped indefinitely.
This is where Music in Detention comes into play - using music as a tool for empowerment and self-expression for detainees who may otherwise feel voiceless or forgotten by society at large.
The charity works with professional musicians who lead workshops inside detention centres across England & Wales (including Harmondsworth near Heathrow Airport), Scotland (Dungavel), Northern Ireland (Larne House) & Gibraltar (Windmill Hill). These workshops provide detainees with opportunities to learn new skills such as songwriting or playing instruments like guitar or drums while also giving them space for reflection on their experiences.
The music created in these workshops is often deeply personal and moving, reflecting the detainees' stories of migration, loss, and hope. The songs are then recorded and shared with the wider public through concerts, albums, and online platforms such as SoundCloud or YouTube.
Music in Detention's work has been recognized by many organizations including Amnesty International UK who awarded them their prestigious Human Rights Award in 2013. The charity has also received funding from Arts Council England & Wales as well as private donors who believe in the transformative power of music to bring about social change.
In addition to its core work inside detention centres, Music in Detention also runs community projects that bring together refugees/asylum seekers with local residents for joint music-making activities. These projects aim to foster greater understanding between different communities while also providing a platform for refugees/asylum seekers to share their talents and stories with others.
Music in Detention's impact on detainees' lives cannot be overstated - it provides a much-needed outlet for creativity and self-expression that can help alleviate some of the stressors associated with detention. It also helps detainees connect with others who may be going through similar experiences - creating a sense of community that can be hard to find inside detention centres.
Moreover, Music in Detention's work challenges negative stereotypes about migrants/refugees by showcasing their talents & humanity through music-making. This is particularly important given the current political climate where anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise across Europe & North America.
In conclusion, Music in Detention is an inspiring charity that uses music as a tool for empowerment & self-expression among those detained under immigration powers. Its innovative approach has touched thousands of lives over the years - bringing hope & healing where there was once only despair & isolation. By supporting this organization financially or volunteering your time/skills you too can make a difference!