The Dublin City University (DCU) MELLIE Programme is a collaborative storytelling project promoting equality, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion. This showcase, The Sound of Connection presents a collection of visual and sound-based artworks created through collective storytelling and dialogue.

At its heart, the project seeks to share the lived experiences of individuals often labelled as ‘migrant’, ‘refugee’, ‘local’, or ‘newcomer’—showing how meaningful connections are nurtured in the community through empathy, exchange, and creative collaboration.

The MELLIE Programme brings together Phibsboro residents, Dublin City University staff, and International Protection Applicants (IPAs) and refugees living in Phibsboro, Dublin. Designed to support language and cultural exchange, the programme allows IPA participants to practice English, gain insight into Irish society, and potentially form new friendships. For Phibsboro and DCU participants, it offers a powerful opportunity to connect with individuals seeking sanctuary in Ireland and to develop intercultural awareness and understanding.

This year, our group met for 2 hours each week in the Phibsboro community for a total of 7 weeks. They exchange and write each others’ stories based on themes proposed by the course leaders, with some input from the participants themselves. With The Sound of Connection we also introduced a Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) methodology, where participants critically engage with artworks of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) collection to develop their visual literacy. Both methodologies allow everyone to participate in conversation and to explore and share new and diverse perspectives.

For this iteration of the project, which began at Dublin City University in 2016, participants record their own stories and sounds under the guidance of sound artist Dafe Orugbo. This addition invites multi-sensory engagement with their stories, offering fresh ways to listen, understand, and connect.