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Description
SHAMANELISM is a cultural project aimed to support and encourage the exploration and consolidation of the ethnic cultural identity of young Roma inmates from Craiova Detention Center through past and present Roma contemporary music. The Craiova Detention Center is an institution specialized in the social recuperation of young people. At the end of August 2021, 308 young people were detained here. According to the institution’s 2020 activity report, none of the cultural activities organized in the Center encouraged the exploration of Roma cultural identity. SHAMANELISM is a project meant to address this need. The general objective is the development of activities and cultural products meant to consolidate the cultural identity of Roma minority. The project specific objectives include: to discover, train and support 60 musical talents among the Roma youth detained in the Craiova Center for 24 months, to promote Roma contemporary music through the production and distribution of 5 music albums, 1 photography exhibition and 4 concerts
Summary of project results
"Shamanelism" was a cultural project designed to encourage and support young Roma inmates at the Craiova Detention Center in exploring and strengthening their ethnic and cultural identity through both traditional and contemporary Roma music. The Craiova Detention Center, an institution specializing in the social reintegration of young people, reported in its 2020 activity report that none of the cultural activities previously organized within the center had focused on exploring Roma cultural identity. This project aimed to fill that gap, providing a platform for self-expression and cultural connection.
The project''s main activity was the organization of music workshops over a 24-month period for young people incarcerated at the Craiova Detention Center. These workshops provided participants with access to their own cultural traditions while offering them the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies in music production.
Additionally, the project aimed to create a digital library of contemporary Roma music, preserving and cataloging albums produced in Romania between 1980 and 2000. This initiative sought to enhance cultural awareness and accessibility to Roma musical heritage.
The project resulted in the production and dissemination of an album of contemporary Roma music, composed and recorded exclusively during the music workshops. Additionally, four compilation albums featuring digitized materials from Romania’s contemporary Roma music archive (1980-2000) were produced and shared.
Four concerts were organized outside the detention center, allowing young inmates who participated in the music workshops to perform publicly. A photography exhibition was also held, showcasing images documenting the workshop process and experiences.
In total, 73 young inmates took part in the music workshops, gaining both cultural and musical skills while engaging in a creative and rehabilitative experience.