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"I brought a baby into this world„ and �„Dal a szívnek” projects�Hungary

Vivi Papp

Pro Progressione

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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"I brought a baby into this world" project

  • Artist: Szilvia Vivi Papp, a media artist and researcher, conducted
  • Participatory, site-specific art experiment focused on societal norms and taboos surrounding motherhood and the obstetric system
  • Through collaborative video productions that featured personal narratives and experiences related to motherhood, the project enabled participants to engage with and influence the societal discourse on these topics.
  • These videos, presented in an interview format, served as both performative and informative tools, accessible to a wider audience on the project's YouTube channel.

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"I brought a baby into this world" project

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"I brought a baby into this world" project

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„Dal a szívnek” project

  • Artist: Veronika Szabó, a Budapest-based freelance actor, director, clown, and applied theatre professional
  • Working with Vàzsonyi Vilmos Home for the Elderly
  • Series of workshops involved communal singing and music sessions that recreated the ambiance of singing around a fire, engaging elderly residents with a variety of well-known songs from different genres.
  • The project culminated in a choir performance and a costumed dance attended by residents, their families, and a small audience, fostering a sense of community and collective memory.

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„Dal a szívnek” project

  • After 2 preparatory meetings, we implemented 8 music workshops and a closing event, a musical ball with a choir and non-alcoholic cocktails, attended by residents and staff.
  • The group also included about half and half of the residents with dementia or other physical or mental difficulties,
  • All of whom were on average around 90 years old.
  • The average number of people attending the sessions was between 12 and 22, with 12 attending each session.
  • We were always greeted with great affection, sitting in excited circles at 10am sharp.
  • „Through music and singing, their presence and memory seem to be activated more.”

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„Dal a szívnek” project

  • Based on experience and a needs assessment of the residents, we put together a basic song list with songs that all residents know and that evoke different memories of their youth. These included folk songs, fun songs, marches, military songs, love songs and children's songs.
  • We used both musical and dramatic tools in the sessions and our aim was to create a low threshold of entry through singing together that everyone could engage with, regardless of their mental and physical health. All of whom were on average around 90 years old.
    • In the first 2 sessions we built trust
    • In the 3rd or 4th session they were singing not only as a group but also individually. i.e. soloing, which was a great boost to their confidence and self-esteem.
    • In the 5th and 6th sessions we also experimented with the melody game
    • In the 7th and 8th sessions, we also tried exercises such as dedicating a song or two to someone important to them among the residents or loved ones. This was important because it allowed them to experience more emotion in the singing.

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„Dal a szívnek” project

  • Tthe greatest achievement of the project is that they loved singing so much and had so much fun every time that they continued to sing weekly without us and are preparing a show for their closing summer party.
  • We think this is a good testament to the community that has developed, the acceptance of each other (although there are conflicts) and the enthusiasm that has been built up in the group.
  • The mental hygiene professionals also sang with us every time, so it was a special achievement to have the staff involved in the sessions.
  • One of the most successful projects in that each time the participants have a spectacularly better mood, energy level and they have not lost motivation.

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„Dal a szívnek” project

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„Dal a szívnek” project