Safe & Sounds (2016-ongoing)

In order to maintain sustainable communities, countries, environment and economies we need to recognise our common humanity. More than ever, the world has recently seen huge numbers of people displaced from their homes, countries, families and all that seems familiar. Blighted by war, unrest, uncertain political situations, persecution, economic and social deprivation numbers of people have sought and are seeking sanctuary and asylumin the UK and other parts of the world.

Relief for Syria, a sculpture by Sophy Dury

Having delivered Kandu’s multi-faceted projects to so many groups a need for activities and experiences beyond those of immediate practical aid was seen to have ongoing benefits for displaced groups of people. We had worked closely with the Harbour Project in Swindon City of sanctuary on the Kandu Kicks tournament finding football to be a universal language.

Safe and Sounds was launched in the summer of 2016 with Kandu raising funds to enable the delivery of projects, support and activities to organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers.

We have collaborated once again with former Spice girl Melanie C, this time to release the single ‘Cosmic Shower’ (Lost Humanity) on June 18th 2016.

The single was released as part of a funds/awareness-raising initiative to support Kandu's work through their Safe and Sounds project with refugees, asylum seekers and their host communities in the UK. Kandu is already working alongside organisations such as the Harbour Project in Swindon that support refugees and asylum seekers.

A large scale painting by Harriet Whyatt, depicting the destruction and despair in Syria, is the cover for the CD single.

Alongside Melanie’s input, 10 artists (many born or living in the Wiltshire area) donated art work to be auctioned in order to further raise funds. The start of the art auction coincided with the release of ‘Cosmic Shower (Lost Humanity)’ on the 28th-31st July.

A large scale painting by Harriet Whyatt, depicting the destruction and despair in Syria, is the cover for the CD single. Harriet has also donated three limited edition framed prints which feature her distinctive style of working.

A whole variety of 2D and 3D work has been donated, highlighting the diversity of approaches whilst portraying similar themes.

Paintings by artists Caroline Cattermull, Alex Moran, Ray Ward and, Rachel Makepeace form part of the art auction.

In addition to the art auction and exhibition, a film ‘The Orange Tree’ by Sion Evans Berry will be shown. It spends time with independent volunteers on the island of Lesbos, Greece and refugees that have made their way to Piraeus harbor in Athens, from their home countries and gives us a snapshot of time in human history.

For this project so far, we have:

Thanks to all at The Albany, Great Portland Street, for all their help on the Safe & Sounds launch event

Delivered a week of music workshops, games and cookery in Swindon at the harbour Project.
Engaged the Harbour Project team of visitors in the annual Kandu Kicks football tournament.
Invited the harbour project football team to participate in the weekly Kicks sessions.
Organised a group of visitors (refugees, asylum seekers and supporters) to attend the live with Melanie C, Ed Deedigan and the Kandu Collective launch event of Cosmic Shower CD and Art Auction in London.
Hold an exhibition of donated art pieces and those produced by asylum seekers and refugees, at the showbox theatre in Swindon.
Made a short film in Cornwall about refugees, in collaboration with Reach Out

To purchase Cosmic Shower and support the cause, follow this link to the PayPal website. Some of the following work remains available for sale - please get in touch if you wish to enquire further.

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