Soundhouse

The continuing story of successful projects from the Melbourne Supporters of The Australian Ireland Fund

At the heart of the Ireland Funds mission is the commitment to bring together the people of the island of Ireland who have been separated and isolated by events of past and recent history.

The pathways to this goal are many and varied, from community programs, through special projects, to integrated schools and youth development initiatives.

From Melbourne functions, The Australian Ireland Fund has supported a wide range of successful projects, with integrated schools taking a high priority. Part of this, with a reach into the broader classroom environment, and associated school communities, has been our exciting contribution via the funding of Soundhouse Alliance Kits and instructor visits.

There is no doubt that music plays a powerful role in bringing individuals and communities together. The success of our Soundhouse investment is recurring evidence of this global reality.

There are now ten Soundhouse bases in Ireland. Through their mobility and the flow-on of teacher understanding and interest, the spread of the Soundhouse music experience, especially with the Special Access model, has been extraordinarily positive and immensely rewarding. We have plans to grow the influence of this unique and invaluable, Melbourne born instrument of social connection and individual empowerment.

We thankyou for making it possible for us to do this from part of today’s fund raising. Your continuing interest and support is warmly appreciated and embraced where it really matters – with the people whose lives are touched by your generous involvement.

The mission of the Soundhouse™ Alliance is to develop awareness of the musical possibilities of combining music and technology, to encourage the greatest possible community participation.
In so doing it will help enhance cultural richness and diversity.
“Perform, enjoy, compose, create.”

Soundhouse is an Australian initiative with two Soundhouse Outreach kits having been placed in The Nerve Centre in Derry in Northern Ireland and one in the 174 Trust in Belfast.  The Outreach Kit is a Plug and Play Soundhouse in a box.  There are now 8 Soundhouse Kits and Special Access Kits in 8 locations in Northern Ireland now.  Initially, the kit was created for those too geographically removed to visit a Soundhouse, or for whom travel can be difficult or expensive.  The Kit allows people to compose, create and communicate using contemporary technology, however isolated they may be.  AU$34,000 was donated to this project in this grant round.