One Song in Medway

One Song is a multiscreen video installation, by artist Kadir Karababa, about the power of songs that connect us to our roots.

It was exhibited at the The Halpern Gallery at Nucleus Arts, Chatham from 6th to 28th July 2024.

The work examines how songs are carried across borders and continents and yet remain firmly rooted in the places they were first sung. It asks how migrant communities can, through the experience of singing, be transported back to the places they left behind.

Commissioned by Counterpoints Arts, conceived by artist Kadir Karababa and irst created at The Museum of the Home in London, the work engaged women from the diverse migrant communities of Medway.

One Song in Medway was made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and with support from Medway Council and Nucleus Arts.

Participants were recruited through a series of community workshops across Medway in May and June 2024. Among those taking part were women from Medway based community groups including Medway African and Caribbean Association, Medway Adult Education, Medway Libraries, Luton Primary School and Medway Interfaith Action.

Workshop attendees were invited to sing one song that reminded them of the place they first called home.

A final group of 12 local migrant and refugee women were then filmed to be part of the installation to be exhibited at Nucleus Arts from 6th July.

One participant commented:

“When I joined the group at first I wasn’t so sure about joining it and doing it so I’m proud to have come and participated. It’s good because we all came together and shared our stories. My proud moment was to be able to share my Dad’s story, who died many years ago and that someone is going to come and stand and hear his song and read about him – I was proud to be able to do that.”

Another said:

“There are many people involved from different cultures  and coming to see it might help people to remember their homes and their memories from different countries which is doing something good. Listening to our songs they might remember to get in touch with family that they had forgotten to call or be in touch with.”

Visitor comments included:

“Really inspired project and a great way to make links through different cultures and songs. From the deep and sentimental to the light. hearted and comical- the depth of feeling comes through.”

“Fantastic project! It removed geographic and emotional borders. United in love, friendship and joy.”

Artist Kadir Karababa said:

“Folk and traditional songs the world over deal with the same universal themes: love, life, death, loss, connection to place and the earth. By asking women from migrant communities to share their songs, the piece seeks to make visible the interconnectedness of us all and how, despite the surface differences of race, religion, language and culture, we are all ultimately singing the same song.”

Genevieve Tullberg, for Nucleus Arts, said:

“For over 20 years Nucleus has championed creativity as a tool to enhance people’s lives in Medway. We are thrilled to support One Song in Medway, an artwork which celebrates diversity and stimulates social inclusion, health and wellbeing. We are proud to have hosted the final workshops that led to the making of One Song at Nucleus Arts, and now the installation itself in our Halpern Gallery.”

Adam Bryan, Medway Council’s Director of Place, said:

“Our Culture and Libraries service is delighted to have worked with Kadir and Counterpoints Arts on a project that has brought so many together to share, connect and sing. This project has allowed Medway’s diverse migrant communities to express themselves and their experiences through art – giving them the opportunity to feel seen and find connection. We look forward to seeing this fantastic installation at Nucleus Arts.”

Tom Green, for Counterpoints Arts, said:

“We’re an arts organisation that works nationally and internationally and have worked with partners in Kent and Medway a number of times in recent years. Kadir’s project gets right to the heart of our interest in connecting people across communities through the arts, finding the things in common about migration and displacement that can inspire and move us all.”

About the Artist

Kadir’s practice mixes socio-political engagement and personal exploration, delving into the complexities of identity, individual and collective memory. He draws inspiration from his lived experience, as well as from broader cultural and historical contexts.

Through a diverse range of mediums including sculpture, painting, printmaking, audio-visual work, and installation, he wants to make multi-dimensional work which is unashamedly sentimental and provokes reflection.
He is influenced by his multicultural background, as he was born in London in 1985 and has mixed Turkish, English, and Cypriot heritage. Kadir lives and works in Hackney, London and draws inspiration from his surroundings, the diverse communities that shape the city and his own family’s story of migration.

By exploring the intersections of his queer, working class, migrant identities and broader socio-political issues, he strives to create art that sparks conversations and invites viewers to bridge the gap between the personal and the universal, encouraging dialogue and understanding in an increasingly complex world.
About Nucleus Arts

Nucleus Arts is the Award Winning flagship arts organisation founded by the Halpern Charitable Foundation. The Foundation was the brainchild of the late Hilary Halpern whose dream was to promote the Arts in Medway and Kent. Nucleus Arts has become the cultural and creative heart of Kent & Medway since it was founded in 2002, and focuses on affordability, accessibility and excellence in the Arts.

Credits
One Song is conceived and created by Kadir Karababa
kadirkarababa@live.co.uk
kadirkarababa.com
www.instagram.com/kadkarababa

Producer: Vanessa Stone

Workshop Co-facilitator and Vocal Coach: Dani Osoba Producer for Counterpoints Arts: Tom Green

Lighting and Camera: Giorgia Young

Graphic Design: Salina

Set Construction: Anchor Signmakers

Gallery Manager, for Nucleus Arts: Genevieve Tullberg