Shared Music Sessions

Shared Music brings traditional Irish musicians together with people from diverse cultural backgrounds to share songs, stories and musical traditions. First developed in 2022 to connect Irish and Ukrainian communities through music, the programme returned in 2026 with visits to residential centres in Wicklow and Mayo. Working with local authority Arts Officers, Integration Officers and Creative Ireland Coordinators, Shared Music creates opportunities for cultural exchange, participation and connection through music.

About Shared Music Sessions

Shared Music began in 2022 as a way of bringing Irish and Ukrainian communities together through music. Drawing on the welcoming tradition of the Irish seisiún, the project created opportunities for musicians and audiences to exchange songs, share cultural traditions and find common ground.

Since then, Shared Music has developed into a wider programme connecting people from different cultural backgrounds. Festival in a Van now brings Shared Music to Direct Provision centres across Ireland, working with Integration Officers in local authorities to help shape visits around the communities involved.

At its heart, Shared Music is about participation and exchange, creating a welcoming space where people can listen, share their own musical traditions and make music together.

How Shared Music Sessions Works

Shared Music brings Irish traditional musicians into residential and community settings, creating opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to share songs, music and traditions. Rather than simply presenting a concert, the programme encourages participation, conversation and cultural exchange.

When Shared Music returned in 2026, the programme expanded to include workshops ahead of the main event. Musicians visited participating groups to introduce traditional Irish instruments, explore shared musical interests and begin building relationships with residents.

Irish dancing classes were also introduced for younger participants, giving them an opportunity to learn new skills and become actively involved. Their dancing was then incorporated into the Shared Music performance itself.

These preparatory activities help build confidence and connections, making the final performance a shared celebration shaped by the people taking part.

Shared Music in Practice

2022 — The Original Shared Music Tour

Shared Music began in 2022 as a response to the arrival of Ukrainian communities in Ireland. Beginning in Kerry, it grew into an extensive nationwide tour, bringing Irish and Ukrainian musicians together to share songs, musical traditions and performances. The original programme reached 20 counties and 50 locations, involving more than 100 musicians.

2026 — A New Chapter

Festival in a Van revived Shared Music in 2026, bringing the programme to residential centres in Wicklow and Mayo. Working with local authority Arts Officers, Integration Officers and Creative Ireland Coordinators, the programme developed a more participatory approach, incorporating music workshops and Irish dancing classes ahead of the main Shared Music events. These activities encouraged cultural exchange, built relationships and gave residents opportunities to contribute to the final performances.

Artists & Partners

Shared Music is funded by The Arts Council and developed and delivered by Festival in a Van in collaboration with professional artists, participating communities and local partners.

The programme brings together traditional Irish musicians, instrumentalists, singers and dancers, creating opportunities to explore and share different musical and cultural traditions. From bodhrán playing and traditional instruments to sean-nós dancing, artists introduce participants to Irish music and dance while encouraging them to share their own songs, rhythms and traditions.

Festival in a Van works closely with local authority Arts Officers, Integration Officers and Creative Ireland Coordinators, whose local knowledge helps shape the programme and connect with participating communities.

This combination of professional artistic expertise, community participation and local partnerships is central to Shared Music’s development and delivery.

Work With Us

Festival in a Van works with local authorities, residential centres, community organisations and arts partners to bring Shared Music to communities across Ireland. If you’re interested in hosting a Shared Music event or exploring how the programme could work with your community, we’d love to hear from you.