Introduction...
Sanctuary is a cultural initiative from the Irish World Academy which celebrates the musical traditions of refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland, while also recognising the importance of music in cultural integration.
Sanctuary works closely with Doras, the Development Organisations for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Limerick. Ongoing projects include, 'Elikya' (Lingala for 'Hope') a group specialising in the sacred music repertoire of the Congo.
Elikya recorded its first CD, 'To Lingana, Love One Another' in June, 2002, which was launched at the Anáil De Breath of God Festival of Sacred World Music in December 2002.
Other projects include 'Comhcheol', a women's choir including women from the Traveller Community and the asylum seeking community. Comhcheol is a joint initiative of Sanctuary and Nomad. In recent years, additional Sanctuary projects have included supporting new musical communities, community music and music education, music therapy, dance, research and publications.
31 January, 2008
