Over the past few months, Z-arts has proudly delivered Harmony Horizons – a joyful and creative early years project that brought together children and their families from global majority backgrounds through the power of music, storytelling, and play.

Across 48 vibrant workshops held at Z-arts, Martenscroft Nursery School and Powerhouse Library, families explored their cultures, shared their stories, and celebrated their experiences of life in Manchester. With the help of incredible artist facilitators from diverse cultural backgrounds, children and parents connected, created, and expressed themselves in magical, meaningful ways.

Each session was uniquely tailored to the setting, from lively drumming circles and puppetry to heartfelt poetry and games that encouraged speech and language development. For many families, this was their first creative experience in the city and for some children, a chance to begin learning English in a warm and welcoming space.

The creative outcomes — original poems and music inspired by each group — have been brought to life in a brand-new interactive listening station at Z-arts’ children’s library. Visitors can now hear the voices, laughter, and stories of our local communities at the press of a button!

The legacy of Harmony Horizons lives on – not just in the listening station, but in the friendships, confidence, and creativity sparked in every session. Thank you to all the families who joined us, and to our amazing partners at Martenscroft Nursery, Powerhouse Library, and Families of the World.

Here’s to more harmony, more horizons – and more shared stories to come.

Storytellers and musicians: Nikitta Angus, Godfrey Pambalipe, and Tom Harris

Photos taken by Andrea Terzuoli.