Derry showcase celebrates finale of cross-cultural arts project
Deputy Mayor Catherine McDaid praised the lasting legacy of the IDEA programme at its closing celebration in the city.
ArtsEkta, Northern Ireland's leading intercultural arts organisation, has celebrated the successful completion of its Intergenerational Dialogue Engaging Arts (IDEA) programme with a music and dance showcase at the New Gate Arts and Culture Centre in Derry.
The programme’s conclusion marks the end of an inspiring journey of cultural exchange, shared learning and community connection through the universal languages of music and dance.
Delivered through Derry City and Strabane District Council's Local Co-Designed Action Plan supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), IDEA has brought together people from different generations, cultural backgrounds and communities, creating meaningful opportunities to connect, develop new skills and celebrate diversity.
To mark the culmination of the programme, ArtsEkta hosted the special celebration event, A World of Rhythm: Celebrating Culture & Connection, bringing together participants, artists, facilitators, community representatives and project partners for an evening of music, dance and reflection.
The celebration showcased the creativity, friendships and cultural connections developed throughout the programme, highlighting the powerful role of the arts in bringing people together.
Since launching in March 2025, IDEA has delivered an ambitious programme of participatory arts activities across primary and secondary schools, youth organisations, further education and residential care settings.
Through workshops, performances and cultural exploration, participants were encouraged to discover traditions beyond their own, challenge perceptions and develop greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Three primary schools — Sion Mills Integrated Primary School, Oakgrove Integrated Primary School and Model Primary School — engaged young participants in projects exploring Indian, Chinese and Bulgarian music and dance.
Youth organisations, including YMCA Drumahoe, YMCA Currynierin, Youth Action and REACH Across, brought together young people to experience African Djembe drumming and traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon dance.
The programme also reached older generations, with residents from Owenmor Care Home, Seven Oaks Nursing Home, Ardlough Nursing Home and Templemoyle Care Home participating in accessible music and chair movement sessions. These activities incorporated familiar songs, reminiscence and gentle movement, creating opportunities for social interaction, enjoyment and connection.
Further creative collaborations saw students from Lisneal College and St Patrick's and St Brigid's College, Claudy, explore Greek music and culture, culminating in a showcase at the Nerve Centre in March 2026.
Students from North West Regional College also embraced Spanish culture through a Flamenco dance project, sharing their learning in a special performance as part of the college's Performing Arts end-of-year showcase in April.
Alongside these projects, IDEA delivered a series of specialist music masterclasses, introducing local musicians to diverse musical traditions, including Irish harp and Kurdish Qanun, and Greek Bouzouki, Mandolin, Mandola and Clarinet.
Together, these activities provided participants with opportunities not only to experience different artistic traditions, but also to work collaboratively, build confidence and form connections across cultural and community boundaries.
The project's achievements were brought to life at A World of Rhythm, a special evening celebrating the participants and creative practitioners who helped make IDEA a success.
Hosted by Sorcha Shanahan, the event featured a rich programme of live performances reflecting the cultural diversity and collaborative spirit at the heart of the initiative.
A highlight of the evening was a collaborative Irish and Kurdish harp performance led by musician and educator Lucia McGinnis, celebrating the musical connections between two distinct cultural traditions. Young harpists involved in the project had explored both Irish and Kurdish music, with workshops also supported by Qanun player Niwar Issa.
Audiences were also treated to Appalachian singing led by Pennsylvania-born, Derry-based musician Amanda Koser. Participants shared songs and techniques developed through workshops exploring the region's distinctive musical heritage, including the communal tradition of shape-note singing.
The celebration concluded with an energetic Flamenco performance by Tina McCauley and Alba Flamenco, showcasing the expressive power of dance and its ability to communicate culture, identity and emotion.
A special documentary capturing the IDEA journey was also screened, sharing the experiences, creative discoveries and personal connections made throughout the programme.
The evening included contributions from Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Catherine McDaid, ArtsEkta Chief Executive Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, and IDEA Creative Lead Marty Coyle, recognising the dedication of participants, artists and partner organisations.
Deputy Mayor McDaid noted that although the programme has ended, it’s legacy will continue well into the future.
“The success of the IDEA Programme is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together through creativity,” she said.
“By celebrating culture, encouraging dialogue and promoting inclusion, IDEA has created opportunities for connection and understanding that will continue long after the programme has ended.”
While IDEA has celebrated artistic achievement, its wider success lies in the opportunities it has created for people to connect across generations, cultural traditions and community backgrounds.
By bringing people together in welcoming and creative environments, the programme has encouraged collaboration, mutual respect and greater understanding of the diverse identities and experiences that shape local communities.
Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, Chief Executive of ArtsEkta, said: "IDEA has been a wonderful demonstration of the power of arts and culture to bring people together.
“Through music and dance, we have seen participants of different ages, backgrounds and traditions share experiences, discover new perspectives and create something meaningful together.
"We are incredibly proud that the programme has reached more than twice its original participation target, but the real achievement goes far beyond the numbers. It is reflected in the confidence developed, the friendships formed and the greater understanding that comes from celebrating each other's cultures.
"Our final celebration, A World of Rhythm, was a fitting tribute to everyone who has contributed to this journey. We hope the connections and experiences created through IDEA will continue to inspire participants and strengthen relationships across our communities long after the programme has ended."
The programme has demonstrated how accessible, participatory arts initiatives can support positive community relations, encourage intercultural dialogue and provide opportunities for people who might not otherwise meet to learn and create together.
As IDEA draws to a close, ArtsEkta extends its thanks to all participating schools, colleges, youth organisations, care settings, artists, facilitators and community partners, alongside Derry City and Strabane District Council and the PEACEPLUS programme, for helping make the initiative possible.
The success of IDEA reinforces ArtsEkta's ongoing commitment to using creativity and cultural participation to build more welcoming, connected and inclusive communities.
For further information about ArtsEkta and the IDEA programme, visit: https://artsekta.org.uk/projects/idea/