‘Common ground’: Co-facilitators’ Perspectives on Music Workshops for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Abstract

This article adds to the body of research on music and arts work with refugee and asylum seeker communities, investigating the shared leadership experiences of two co-facilitators who led ten music workshops and an informal sharing session which took place in York, UK. Qualitative data from the facilitators were collected through semi-structured interviews, asynchronous interviews, and reflective diary entries. Thematic analysis led to considerations of the co-facilitators’ approach and preparation which concern adaptability and flexibility, the concept of sharing to support unity and growth through active participation, singing as a facilitative tool, and the navigation of challenges. These reflect their development, priorities, and concerns. The findings evidenced that these workshops represented for the two facilitators an opportunity for professional growth through the development of skills such as flexibility and adaptability. In addition, participants were given the opportunity to contribute to the workshops by sharing songs or dances from their own country, which fostered a more equal sense of status. Suggestions for further research concern facilitation training, particularly concerning the consideration of cross-cultural communication, professional values and competencies, and further explanation of strategies supporting individual and collaborative growth.