Exodus Live was launched in 2005 as part of Exodus, CAN's nationally acclaimed and ground-breaking cultural programme for refugee artists and communities.
Exodus Live showcased the music of over 500 performers reaching over 2,500 people through Exodus Live’s extremely popular gigs at various live music venues and with audiences of over 50,000 through the acclaimed Exodus Festival in city-centre Manchester between 2004 – 2010. Through gigs and festivals, refugee heritage musicians shared their diverse musical traditions with new audiences.
Exodus Live connected musicians from different traditions and cultures with each other, and with musicians from the region’s host communities. These new connections developed new and eclectic musical collaborations and infused the region’s unique musical mix with the vitality of new cultures.
“Exodus has given me confidence in myself and my ability as a musician and artist to make music with all people whoever and whatever level they are from. This has given me great confidence in myself and who I am.”
Exodus Live was a catalyst for musicians to be part of mainstream events such as the Manchester Jazz Festival as well as developing workshop leaders and supporting recording, and producing careers. The Beating Wing Orchestra emerged from the programme through a CAN commission from MIF in 2007 and 2009.