Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which, in prosperous
circumstances, would have lain dormant – Horace
Music has long been an effective connector of peoples enabling a harnessing of energies, a focusing of intention, a linking of cultures as well as being a vehicle for inclusion of those who, for whatever reason find themselves relegated to ‘the margins’.
Music–making has the capacity to create a climate conducive to the expansion of social capital – the inevitable precursor to social change.
The Sweet Freedom team of musicians, film-makers and community development practitioners work collaboratively and ethically with people experiencing varying degrees of marginalization from mainstream communities. A creative process is instigated during which issues of significance are identified, crafted into music, recorded and performed by the participants (with a little help from their kindred-spirited friends).
A quality production engages media attention and subsequent radio exposure – all in the name of enhancing public awareness as to the importance of compassion and inclusive practices to ensure well functioning societies. The product is promoted throughout like-minded international networks.
Profits from the sale of each project outcome benefit the communities of participants.
A transparent assessment process ensures that project aims and methodologies have been accomplished to a high level.
The team has to date been sponsored by progressive local and State governments, Amnesty International, Community Aid Abroad, the Lifeline Social Inclusion and Community Connection team, the Sisters of Mercy, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, the Sydney Myer Foundation etc
Sweet Freedom Inc has recently (September 2010) been selected as one of 25 exemplary projects by the United Nations for its compendium.
Current involvements include:
The Transformers – the Brisbane version of the Choir of Hard Knocks – offering access to those with mental health challenges who love to sing.
The success of this venture is revealed in many of the choir members seeing themselves differently – not just as people needing to be cared for but as contributing members of society – able to be productive team members of an initiative which creates fun & enjoyment for themselves and others – a venture that would not be as good for all of us if each individual was not a part of it.
The power of music is showcased in its capacity to engage and foster resilience. We are not trying to replicate the quality of music accessible courtesy of an endless and enticing array of TV or radio performers. There is something of the wounded healer archetype in what the Transformers do that breathes life and hope into others who navigate the numerous fragilities – low self-esteem, depression, loneliness etc – that most of us can relate to on different levels and at different times in our lives. The media-constructed superstars and divas have a different mission and for the most part, do not operate with the degree of authenticity intrinsic to the Transformers.
The Scattered People Performing Arts Project:
the development of a sustainable musical enterprise which will maximise and showcase the talents of asylum seekers and refugees, restore their pride, re-image themselves within the perception of the general public and bring financial benefits to themselves and their families.
Former involvements include:
Scattered People (2001)
Brisbane musicians and community development workers rallied to the cause and joined with asylum seekers to ‘workshop’ themes of significance. Songs were crafted and subsequently recorded which highlight “their escape and thirst for freedom – their haunting journeys to (places unknown – their celebration of the need for one another and the resilience which has characterised their survival …”
The resultant album was described by Shane Stuart of ABC Music as “flawless and absolutely wonderful”. It has been enthusiastically taken up by Amnesty International and the ‘New Internationalist’ – the August 2002 edition of which includes a review of the album ” this astonishingly professional album, one that has deservedly picked up a clutch of awards, is rich with humanity and hope, pain and patience as asylum seekers from around the globe come together to put the story of their lives to us in music”
It was used extensively by the United Nations in East Timor to encourage full participation in the emerging country’s first democratic elections. Newly-elected President Xanana Gusmao made contact with the Scattered People production team in appreciation.
The Scattered People album is a celebration of the diversity and the common ground accessible via music. The asylum seekers are able to share their message of struggle, hope and strength across the airwaves.
Perhaps in their music their voices will at last be heard.
The ‘Stand With Us’ remix music video has been broadcast nationally on Australian television.
Aim High/From Little Things Big Things Grow
The Zillmere State School (2002)
The Zillmere State School has a 30% indigenous population, a 20% Pacific Islander (Samoa, Tonga, Maori etc) as well as a significant ESL (English as second language) contingent. The school has a high proportion of single parent and low-income families struggling financially to cope. The area has extreme levels of public housing and unemployment.
The Aim High project was designed to improve the sense of community, self-esteem and resilience of the children and their families.
The CD & DVD film clip of ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ harnessed the insights and talents of 225 primary school-aged children and delivered an affirming message to their immediate communities and ultimately, via extensive radio play to the entire nation.
“Congratulations to all. I clock up many hours as an itinerant teacher travelling to support behaviour-disordered children, hearing your students sing on Triple J was certainly a highlight of my week, indeed of my year. All of the social skills which I attempt to teach were beautifully demonstrated, co-operation, teamwork, inclusion, respect for others, and a celebration of faith in and hope for the future.”
(J. Smithhurst – Tuncurry NSW)
Alafiah … Freedom
Voices of Survival, Voices of Welcome (2003)
‘Alafiah…Freedom’ features the voices and compositions of young refugees and their ‘mainstream’ peers singing of trauma, survival, cultural displacement and resilience.
These songs aim to personalise, humanise, and speak to Australians of the lived reality of young people labelled “illegals”, “lifestyle changers” and “unlawful non-citizens”.
They speak of struggle, hope, and the longing for acceptance.
They are a message to the future, and a wake-up call to the present.
“take our comradeship and courage, our thirst for peace – our hopes for all
take these fruits bought through our struggles
let these same fruits feed us all
take our efforts for survival through the pain that we endure
take these fruits bought through our struggles
let these same fruits feed us all…”
(“fresh and compelling … exciting and dramatic …impressively unified and emphatic in attack” – Gillian Wells Brisbane Courier Mail)
Kidz2Kidz (2004)
a message of hope from Australian kids to the kids of Iraq
Brisbane-based primary school children have put their hearts and talents into the composition and recording of five original songs of peace and connection which have been given as a gift to Iraqi children.
The result is Kidz2Kidz – a beautiful collection of songs, skilfully produced and impressively performed by the children who come from Yeronga, Middle Park and Moorooka primary schools. Colourful drawings by the children as well as their messages of concern and hope to their Iraqi counterparts are portrayed throughout the CD cover/booklet.
“wish we could welcome one another share our thoughts and feelings
open up our minds and our hearts
we could learn from each other and find the healing
mend the things that war has torn apart” (from ‘Wish of Peace’)
RED (2004)
A two track EP of songs which celebrate the capacity of people with disabilities to belong to and participate in community life.
‘Red’ refers to the truth that often struggles to emerge within each of us as we navigate our own life journeys. It often hurts …
“Red is ember glowing quietly can erupt into a flame
Red will cry all night in your quest for what is real”
but it really is the best of us …
“Red will show you to your table no more waiting by the door
there’s a place for all in your search for what is real”
‘Make It Beautiful’ is performed by blind recording artist Rikki Chaplin and highlights the value of welcoming into our lives those who have a different way of being in the world.
“let me be your muse – keep your thinkin’ gear elastic
excavate and shift the goal mouth while leaving part of you monastic
nobody promised easy street or free rides so let me be your muse”
Artwork featured on the CD displays the talents of local artists involved with Access Arts – a non-profit professional arts company supporting people experiencing disabilities to pursue their ambitions in the arts.
Good Company (2005)
The Urandangi State school is a one teacher school
located two kilometres from the town of Urandangi
(alternatively spelt “Urandangie”) in outback Queensland
near the Northern Territory border. It’s attended by children
of an estimated one hundred Marmanya people and
Urandangie residents. Access for the non-locals is usually
by four wheel drive and, at times when the nearby Georgina
River floods, only by air. Services are limited.
Survival and kinship take priority:
when you sleep under the stars of our beautiful Southern skies in an environment of soaring temperatures and blistering winds that stir up the sand…
when the food’s all gone and your mind’s on the hunt…
there are days when you might miss the sports carnival you’ve trained so hard for, or miss your turn to sit in the front seat of the troopy …
but you always have friends and family bonds are strong …
The goal of this 4 track CD was to capture the children’s stories in music, while engaging them in the various activities related to music production, including style selection and recording techniques. Though a new experience for most, the children took to the task with incredible enthusiasm and remarkable skill.
Ten months and ten thousand kilometres later, these songs are the result. They reflect elements of the children’s day to day lives in Urandangie, as well as their values, unique personalities, and wonderful singing voices!
My Life My Voice (2007)
The launch of ‘My Life My Voice’ – the song & music video
was an occasion of huge excitement for all who have been associated
with its production – the children & young adults with Down
syndrome, their parents & families, the Queensland University
of Technology Faculty of Creative Industry, Brisbane City Council and
Sweet Freedom Inc.
The project is unique in that the song has been written by people
with Down syndrome to give others a little window into their world.
Through many workshops, sing-a-longs and discussions, a style of
music kind of ‘bubbled up’ out of the participants. Quotes, favourite expressions, na na nas (for those in the group who are currently ‘non-verbal’) as well as some extremely poignant & insightful comments were structured into the lyrics. The resultant song is not one that asks for pity or assistance. It has not been composed to engage tears from its listeners.
It is up-tempo, centre-stage and proud.
Why wouldn’t it be? The performers are lovers of life who are singing of what they value – the lyrics are theirs.
Eyes Are Windows (2008)
When language is awkward, when historical touchstones are out of reach and when cultural reference points are bewildering, there is always … music
The ‘Eyes Are Windows’ project was initiated after discussions between Logan City Council and Logan Community Renewal - not just to showcase the talent so prolific in the area, not just to create further bridges between cultures but to offer a musical backdrop where possible to the lights and shades of a diverse and growing community.
Sharing stories with fellow coffee drinkers and sausage sizzle aficionados in the Wembley Road Tribe of Judah Food Van was a valuable experience for us songwriters. We learnt one another’s names. It was Jeff who said he wasn’t used to people remembering his name but when it happened, it made him feel important …
say my name & I’ll say yours too, it’s how we both get through
All cultures it seems have an equivalent metaphor relating to eyes being the windows of the soul. The African women’s group have showcased themselves and opened their ranks to welcome male Samoan vocals into their vigorous rendition of the title track.
Leaving behind family, friends and familiarity to make a fresh start, at its best sets up an adventure with challenging prospects – exciting as one’s world expands but at other times being paralyzed by homesickness and a desire for things to be as they used to be. Our conversations with those who echoed such thoughts evolved into the comforting lyric
miss my family miss my home Logan’s nothing like the place I’ve grown in but I feel safe & I’ll be staying around –
love will find you on the way
Spiritual home of those who share the Yugambeh language, stories abound in Logan and are passed down from one generation to the next. Member of the Yugambeh Aboriginal community, Rory O’Connor maintains the vocal tradition by sharing with us ‘My Father’s Voice’ – a valued tale relating to the abduction of a group of boys around 1859, their determination to survive and the ever-presence of a devoted father.
PCYC members have collaborated on the track ‘Woodridge Dreaming’. So characteristic of young people is their spelling out of the negatives – what they don’t want to do, where they don’t want to be, whom they don’t want to be associated with etc. Their resilience however, is persistent and their sense of hope is sustaining …
there’s got to be a better way – there’s gonna be a better day for my dreams to finally breathe
Troubled kids with challenging backgrounds could have been conveniently ignored. Their perspectives and insights however are part of an authentic collage and contribute to their and our collective wisdom …
loss and gain are always there in all my choices
I toss and turn and battle with those raging voices, the shape and colour of my future here in my hands
sometimes a part of life will end – sometimes we need to start again
All in all, feelings of optimism have permeated through the resident engagement and subsequent song crafting process – not a naïve optimism but one that has been attuned to frustration and struggle and, for many trauma and relocation. Long-term residents have a different view. Their roots are well established and their support systems intact. Those with whom we spoke are welcoming and also anxious that relatively recent arrivals find peace, safety and acceptance.
As in all communities, one introduction often serendipitously leads to another. Shaun Dorney, music coordinator for the Logan-Albert Beaudesert District of Education Queensland pointed us in the direction of Dave Stuart, music coordinator of Woodridge High who summoned the enormous talent of his students. The collaboration demonstrated musically that Logan is a place of hope where painful aspects of the past can be put aside and dealt with incrementally while the future beckons with that enticing prospect of better days.
let our children dream and their futures soar
let our cautious hearts feel free once more
to embrace ourselves and our neighbours too
as the morning breaks over Logan
The Sweet Freedom Production team members are available as consultants, educators, practitioners and collaborators.
Funding opportunities can generally be sourced.
For further information:
Brian Procopis
Social Inclusion and Community Connection Team
Lifeline, Brisbane
(07) 3624 2403
0408 157 211