Ever wanted to join a band and go on an adventure, but put it aside as the stuff of foolish daydreams?
Over a six month period, regular attendees at Walk, a Walkinstown-based centre supporting young adults with disability to live independently, acted on their ambition. With the support of musicians Sinead White and Cian Finley, producer Dominic Campbell, and the team at Dublin’s Culture Connects they transformed a regular Tuesday night sing a long into band practice with some serious commitment and bags full of fun.
Dublin’s Culture Connects is an innovative Dublin City Council initiative that connects Dubliners to their city through making and taking part in culture. They base projects on people’s stories, wishes and experiences and begin by listening, learning and sharing. As this adventure, part of their National Neighbourhood initiative shows, they are not afraid to try new things.
The collaboration with its combination of energy, enthusiasm and practical creative skills meant the idea really took wings.
With each session, and each stage of the journey from back room to main stage, the team visibly grew in confidence. With each challenge met ambition grew, but so did surprise and delight at what is possible. Finding a venue and support band were adventures in exploring Dublin City and its culture. Over time a band emerged whose name captures the heart of it all - Joyful Noise.
This short documentary isn’t about people with disability becoming mainstream, it’s about changing our expectations of ourselves, of what we are and how we can become what we dream of being. With a little generosity and support. Each member of Joyful Noise became an inspiration and a leader, an extraordinary example of where creativity will take you.
This is a snapshot of six months. After a glorious spring and summer its back to the back room. To buckling down to learn new skills. To practice and writing new tunes. To the graft that lies behind the showbiz. If you want to follow or become part of the next adventure keep an eye on here. Who knows where foolish daydreams can take you?
Find out more about Dublin Culture Connects here.
