Abbeytheatre

Catherine Young Dance initiated The Welcoming Project in 2016 as a way to foster cultural integration and social inclusion with Ireland's new communities. Through a common bond (the arts), the playing field is equal and a space is offered where people can come together, share their culture, their music, songs, dances, food and stories. A place where Irish people can be inspired to learn the cultures of others and where new communities have the opportunity to meet local Irish people. Currently the group includes migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and local Irish spanning many countries including: Syria, Iran, Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Malawi, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, Ireland, UK, Switzerland, Germany among others. The project, through dance, challenges prejudice and misconceptions, develops empathy, and promotes intercultural understanding between migrants and the host communities in Kerry, Dublin and Longford where they take place. The project also develops