Participants of the Women’s Programme at Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, have collected their native lullabies and expressed what the lullabies mean to them through drawing, pictures, crochet, sewing etc. Some participants have recorded themselves singing their chosen lullabies.
Passed down through generations, lullabies are a universal expression of parental love and a desire to provide comfort and security to a child. The melodies span borders and languages. This emotional resonance allows individuals to connect with the essence of the lullaby, even if they don’t understand the lyrics. The shared experience of singing lullabies creates a sense of cultural bonding, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect on a human level.
This project, Sweet Dreams: Lullabies Across the World, allows the audience to connect with the shared experience of parenthood across the world, contributing to a more inclusive and understanding community, breaking down stereotypes and fostering integration.
This artwork showcases the resilience of parents in the Democratic Republic of Congo, singing their children to sleep while seeking hope for the future. Click here to listen to Fais Dodo, a popular lullaby in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This image was inspired by Syrian lullaby Ya Allah Tanam Reema - listen to a beautiful rendition at this link.
Listen to the wonderful Turkish lullaby, Dandini Dandini Dastana, recorded by a migrant woman in Cork at this link.
The pain and dreams of Afghan parents is well-depicted in this haunting, beautiful lullaby - have a listen at this link.
Duérmete, mi niño is a popular lullaby in the Spanish-speaking world. A Chilean woman in Cork recorded this lullaby to honour and celebrate her unborn child - have a listen here.
Sweet Dreams is supported through Cork City Council by the Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-government five-year initiative, from 2023 to 2027, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. Further information from creativeireland.gov.ie.
