The music of belonging: Stories from ASC x Art Gallery of NSW at Volume Festival

In a world increasingly defined by displacement and division, music is a universal language capable of unifying cultures.

This power in sharing music was on display at last month’s Volume Festival at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). The festival program included ‘Play on, play again, play forever’ a series of live performances by people seeking asylum, responding to artworks from AGNSW’s collection.

The events are an extension of the ASC’s longstanding partnership with AGNSW, creating access and opportunity for people seeking asylum who are passionate about art and music.

Among the amazing performers were Amir*, Jessa*, and Max* who shared their unique stories through music.

Amir: symphony of beauty

Amir has always been drawn to the violin.

Ever since he was a young boy, Amir wanted to play the instrument. “Violin has a unique sound that I find very beautiful. I also like how it looks. The shape of it. The body of the instrument. It is beautiful and almost mystical. And I’m also a very mystical person.”

Three years ago, Amir saved up all his extra money and was finally able to buy a violin while enrolling in a few lessons. He hasn’t stopped playing since.

Amir describes the violin as a symbol of his own perseverance.

“Violin is hard because you have to have good coordination with your left and right hand, plus carrying the violin and playing the bow, but I like the challenge. And I want others to feel that beautiful feeling every time I hit a note.”

When the chance to participate at Volume Festival arrived, Amir overcame his initial anxieties and signed up. Amir says, “I was born to be a musician and at last I had the chance to perform.”

For ‘Play on, play again, play forever’, Amir responds to Agatha Goethe Snape’s artwork “You and everything that is not you”. Amir reckons that Snape’s piece underscores his own philosophy of finding meaning in one’s self.

“The artwork is about the importance of self-love. Self love is not selfish. It’s focusing on what you can control to achieve happiness. Setting boundaries is love,” he explains. “Since applying this philosophy in my life and music, I can easily transmit energy, beauty, and happiness to others.”

Jessa: rhythms of heritage

Jessa’s musical offerings at the festival were a celebration of Bengali heritage, a vibrant display of culture and emotion. She performed three Bangla songs: “Shadher Lau,” “Bondhu Teen Din,” and “Morara Kokil.” Her brother, Janno, accompanied her on the traditional Dholl drum.

Jessa shares how she and Janno have always loved playing music back in their home country, and in the home they have now built in Sydney.

“Music has a way of bringing people together. Playing music in the home creates lasting memories and builds strong bonds between family members.”

Jessa’s performance at the festival was a playlist of rhythmic beats and soulful melodies. The audience’s response was something she will never forget. “The public made noise, screamed, jumped, and sang along. It was very intense,” she shares.

The chance to share the richness of Bangladeshi music is something Jessa cherishes.

“We represented our country, Bangladesh. And the audience shared enjoyment of our cultural customs with our Bengali music!”

Max: life chapters in music

Max’s performance, “MY POV,” was an odyssey of music and emotion, a lyrical exploration of his life in four chapters: “Birth”, “Growth & Challenge”, “Torture”, and “Hope”.

“When I started to produce the whole set, I realised it was not easy to show my point of view on life and I decided to improvise based on every chapter….I also walked around the area beforehand and played music to have a better understanding of the audience and how they would feel when they are listening to my music.”

In “Birth”, audiences were treated to childlike musical elements, including pre-recorded audio from Max’s parents. House music segued to “Growth & Challenge”, inviting people to dance. In “Torture”, dark ambient sound reverberated at AGNSW, with Max playing the guitar blindfolded, each blind strum a representation of his adversities.

“The last chapter was like a light at the end of the tunnel: Hope! This was presented with my voice and some harmonic chords,” Max shares.

From the innocent joy of childhood to finding light despite of displacement, Max’s performance was a heartfelt journey in sound and story.

“When I finished my performance I felt very calm and at peace… It has allowed me to express my true self, (as opposed to) situations where I have felt censored. It has been an amazing opportunity for me to share my music.”

Max also shares his appreciation for AGNSW staff who provided him with audio interface for his performance and for Keelin, the Community Engagement Coordinator at ASC, who helped him and other performers mount their shows.

“It made me feel someone was out there for me and cared about my talent.”

Keelin’s reflections: artistry beyond asylum

From logistical support to emotional encouragement, Keelin ensured the performers from the ASC had everything they needed for the Volume Festival.

“Hearing our musicians perform their songs for the first time during rehearsal was incredibly moving. Seeing them perform in such an inspiring space months later was very special.”

She adds, “The team from the Art Gallery were also very supportive throughout the entire process.”

Keelin also believes that initiatives like this ensure people seeking asylum are seen beyond usual labels.

“They are resilient, strong, talented, beautiful and not defined by the fact that they are trying to find safety in another country.”

A crescendo of connection

Amir, Jessa and Max’s diverse performances resonate far beyond the confines of the festival.

Amir’s melodies transcend language barriers, allowing emotions to be felt rather than just heard. Jessa’s songs celebrate heritage, creating a communal experience that resonates across cultural lines. Max’s chapters in sound, from darkness to light, embody a journey to power and hope.

Together, these artists showcase that we are all connected. Music, in their hands, is not just sound, but a soulful symphony of shared humanity.