Music makes home

More refugees than ever before are currently seeking protection from war and persecution in Europe, many of them in Germany. The efforts of many helpers to help refugees settle in Germany and facilitate their integration are unique. A wide range of aid projects and initiatives have also been set up in the music sector: They range from instrument donations and free music lessons to joint music-making projects, meeting events and the development of joint concert programs to benefit concerts and music therapy services.

In a new focus, the German Music Information Center (MIZ)an institution of the German Music Council, presents selected projects on the subject of music and refugees on its internet platform. The presentation of the activities is based on a survey conducted by the German Music Council under the title Welcome to Germany - Music makes homewhich is intended to make the various forms of commitment visible and form a basis for effectively demanding the creation of the necessary political framework conditions. As a first step, a resolution of the German Music Council is to be adopted at its general meeting on October 23/24, 2015.

The President of the German Music Council, Professor Martin Maria Krüger, acknowledges the commitment of those involved in musical life and states: "Music plays a central role in non-verbal communication and can convey the joy of exchange and dialog between different cultures. The message Music makes home is aimed at all people in our country."

The new focus of the MIZ is available at: www.miz.org/fokus_musik_macht_heimat