Merseyside not-for-profit BrazUKa International have been awarded Arts Council England’s Emergency Response funding and are now launching a brand new online drumming and movement project.
With a programme of activities that was based around public-facing community rehearsals, performances and workshops, the organisation was hit hard by the effects of Covid-19. Now, with this funding, BrazUKa – and its highly visible combined arts project “Katumba Drumming and Movement” – can increase their digital capacity to contribute to the wider public’s health and wellbeing.
Katumba already successfully transferred their Drumming and Movement classes for members online, which have been well received during lockdown. Shortly, a digital version of their Drumming & Movement Masterclasses will be available to all drumming bands in the UK – and internationally – with offerings in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
This new online project however, is for EVERYBODY! Katumba is inviting audiences of ALL AGES, with no experience needed, to get involved with ‘Tune In With Katumba’. Participants will be able to take part in the creative processes of composition, drumming, movement, visual arts and performance – all from home.
Using professional multi-camera broadcasting technology – with high quality sound and image – Katumba have already provided a platform to share everyone’s dreams, fears and hopes by asking the public to send in words describing what ‘Life After Lock-Down’ means to them.
Those words sent in will build the foundation for a powerful piece of percussive music. Katumba will show participants how to build their own instrument from upcycled household items – Brazilian style – then teach them how to play music that they themselves helped compose. Those taking part will also learn to move to the Katumba beat alongside audiences all over the world.
Katumba will then produce a split-screen video of the final performance piece. And if public gatherings are allowed in the autumn, participants will be invited to perform at the famous Katumba Halloween Parade.
All activities are free and appropriate for all ages. Children under 16 will need parental permission to take part.
Juliana Landim, Katumba’s Creative Director, said: “Katumba’s main focus has always been affect positively our community’s health and wellbeing through drumming and movement-always delivering with high quality artistic content.
This significant point in history is giving people a space to tune in, connect and explore different ways in which culture can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.
We want to provide a platform for the public to reflect and share their dreams, hopes and fears while re-imagining our world post-lockdown’.
For more details on how to get involved, visit katumba.co.uk/tune-in
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