Opportunity for new Trustees to join cross-cultural music project, Crossings www.crossings.org.uk , March 2011

Crossings

Crossings, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is a cross-cultural, community music project bringing together asylum seekers, refugees, local and international musicians, to collaborate on the development and performance of their music. Its new Roots to Harmony project provides a diversity training programme, responding to local needs. This involves participatory and engaging music sessions and workshops, raising participants’ aspirations, developing their creative, social and life skills, promoting intercultural communication and increasing their awareness of the benefits of diversity. Crossings’ projects and performances contribute to social inclusion and community cohesion, tackling racism and prejudice, and demonstrating how refugees and asylum seekers can make a positive contribution to their local community.

Crossings offers a range of musical and social opportunities:

• Weekly musician-led open sessions which welcome all-comers with a particular focus on asylum seekers and refugees, involving group activities such as musical sharing, singing, song-writing and instrumental tuition;

• a band which creates songs, practices weekly and performs regularly at community events, local venues and festivals.

• a women’s and children’s choir which meets weekly, in partnership with CoMusica, The Sage Gateshead;

• a Facilitation Training Programme, offering Crossings members the opportunity to learn music and dance facilitation skills and develop these skills through assisting experienced practitioners in running workshops;

• a programme of workshops:

• celebrating diversity, especially targeting young people, in schools and with youth and community groups, involving song-writing, drumming and dance, led by experienced music leaders and Crossings trainees;

• Taster sessions with asylum seekers in collaboration with refugee organizations.

Trustees sought

Crossings is a Company Limited by Guarantee, currently seeking charitable status. It is looking for enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to join its Board of Trustees. The successful applicant will be expected to attend meetings regularly and to have some time to commit to the project outside the regular monthly Board Meetings.

Crossings is seeking new Trustees with the following knowledge and skills:

• Management, planning, evaluation, strategic and fundraising skills;

• Financial oversight, including record-keeping, accountancy, bookkeeping, ideally knowledge of charity accounts;

• Knowledge of the refugee sector and of youth and community work;

• Knowledge of National Curriculum objectives, particularly in regard to human rights;

• Marketing, media relations, development of corporate image;

• IT knowledge and/or design.

The Trustees currently meet monthly, usually on Wednesdays from 4 - 6 p.m. however the schedule can be negotiated according to the availability of Trustees. Outside of Trustee Meetings, individual members bring their particular area of expertise to help in the development of Crossings’ work.

The current Trustees comprise individuals from the BME community and refugee organisations, education, arts development, youth work, enterprise and the law. There is an advisory committee drawn from practising musicians from Crossings.

Could interested volunteers please send the following information to Lucy Fairley (Chairperson of Crossings) – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

- contact details (name, email and mobile number);

- a short statement of interest, including reasons for wanting to join the committee, skills offered, and time available.

Note: whilst we do not have a deadline, early response would be most appreciated.