Crosslinks is one of Youth Initiatives’ longest running cross-community good relations arts programmes. For over 22 years Crosslinks has brought young people together from across different religious and cultural communities in Belfast to address good relations issues such as sectarianism, racism, discrimination, prejudice and cultural expression and celebration. The aim has always been to enable the participants to develop significant friendships and become agents of change within their communities by exploring these difficult issues in a safe, positive, relational environment and in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Youth Initiatives is supported by the Community Relations Council through its Core Funding Scheme.
Working in Partnership
In 2023, Crosslinks continued in partnership with Diverse Youth to bring young people from BAME communities together with those from the YI West and East hubs. The young people were given the theme ‘Identity’ and through the weekly dance, drama, art and music workshops they worked alongside staff and arts tutors to write, compose, choreograph and design their showcase The Journey to the Red Door. This was performed on Sunday 26 March 2023 in Stranmillis College theatre to over 400 friends, family, funders and the wider public.
This story follows the adventures of a student, Rachel, who after dismissing the importance of embracing other identities in a school assignment, ends up transported to a dream-like world of wizards, creatures and other odd characters. She must resist the evil witches who would seek to keep her in ignorance forever and prevent her from ever returning home. With the help of friends she meets along the way, she must learn the five key lessons in understanding the importance of embracing your own and others’ identities:
- Active listening
- Understanding identity
- Knowledge
- Culture
- Opening your inner circle.
Once she has accomplished this, she will have earned the keys to open the red door and return home.
The young people worked incredibly hard in the lead up to the showcase and accomplished an excellent art exhibition and live performance. So much of the success of this project leans on the young people coming together with common interests to work towards a common goal. The ups and downs, challenges and successes forge strong connections which YI has seen become lasting significant friendships and even some marriages over the past 22 years.
Young People Comments
It was my first year and I had only really known a couple of people. Quickly Crosslinks helped me make friends whom I now consider family. All the new relationships were made stronger through the show and I can't wait to do it again next year.”
Katie, West Belfast
Personally I loved the build up to the show and I felt that you could see it come together week to week which eventually culminated into what would be a very enjoyable experience for both us and the people viewing the show. The stress and hard work together was worth it. I think that the way that identity was explored was amazing as it was easy to digest.”
Oisin, West Belfast
I was petrified and anxious right up to show day but the feeling I got after accomplishing it made it all worth it. It definitely built up my confidence and I became friends with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
Kayla, East Belfast
I loved doing the show and it was such a good thing to do. I hated talking in front of people before I started Crosslinks, then I felt so proud of myself knowing I just done that in front of people and really grew my confidence. I spoke to so many different people and made new friends with people from other religions and will continue to talk to them now that the show is over.”
Caolagh, West Hub
For me Crosslinks was amazing, as I had never done anything like it before. It helped my confidence a lot as before this I wouldn't have been able to perform in front of all those people. Making new friends was one of my favourite parts as it helped me to not just depend on the people in my youth group but talk to others from the different groups. I gained better communication skills and acting skills.”
Safiya, Diverse Youth