OUR PROJECTS
We have a number of projects across the North East of England, from songwriting workshops and community choirs to heritage place-based storytelling projects
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PAST PROJECTS
2024
2023
Stories of Sanctuary Sunderland - Music Video
In honour of Refugee Week 2023, we collaborated with animator Sheryl Jenkins to create a music video for one of the original songs, 'Bridge Across the River', created in our songwriting workshops. The animations were drawn by those seeking sanctuary in Sunderland, a newly recognised City of Sanctuary.
2021
Life Along the Line: Shildon Stories
In April 2021, we partnered with the Friends of Stockton & Darlington Railway and Shildon Railway Institute to capture the stories of people who have lived, worked and travelled on the railway in Shildon through songwriting and storytelling. Life Along the Line celebrates Shildon's unique history in shaping worldwide rail travel.
Sounds for the Soul - Stanley community songwriting
Songs for the Soul was a project in partnership with PACT House Stanley to create songs together to promote a positive boost for mental health. The songs will be showcased on PACT House's very own in-house community radio show. The project was kindly supported by County Durham Community Foundation and The Stanley Community Fund.
Shildon Town
In November, we were commissioned by Greenfield Arts to write a song for the launch of the Shildon in Motion project. The song examines the innovative and extraordinary aspects of Shildon's past and celebrates the ongoing creativity and ingenuity of Shildon's people and its future. The project was funded by Northern Heartlands and Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership.
Creative Songwriting at Oasis
Citizen Songwriter's music facilitator Sam Slatcher ran weekly songwriting sessions with people experiencing homelessness at Oasis Community Housing in Gateshead. Five different songs were written collaboratively with individuals on their experiences of homelessness and the impact on their lives.
2020
Ukulele Music Packs for East Durham Children
In Summer 2020, Citizen Songwriters teamed up with ATOMS Education to provide ukuleles along with a resource pack for children and their families in East Durham, along with an online Ukulele webinar. They have been much treasured by the children, especially since the disruptions to their education in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sound Out Songwriting Sessions
From June - September 2020, we hosted online group music-making sessions. Working together like this reduces stress, improves mood and boosts the immune system. It brings communities together to reduce loneliness and isolation, and is great for mindfulness and relaxation. This course was aimed at female carers of all ages.
Inter-Action Drop-In Songwriting
Citizen Songwriter's music facilitator Sam Slatcher and Harden Wakanda have been running sessions at Action Foundation's Inter-Action Drop-in sessions at West End Library, Newcastle. The programme was funded by Arts Society Tyneside.
2019
Sound Out Songwriting Sessions
From January 2019 to March 2019, Sam Slatcher ran weekly sessions in Bishop Auckland with female carers who experienced isolation due to their caring commitments. The programme was run by Jack Drum Arts, funded by the Carers Fund.
Welcome Town
From May to June 2019, 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.