A new book examines how creative activity can strengthen community life through the experiences of a grassroots collective.
A Confluence of Songs and Stories, by Sylvia Vetta and Ann Schofield, charts the development of Oxford’s Confluence Café since it was established in 2013.
The café has connected people through music, poetry, food and conversation.
Its approach highlights the value of cultural exchange as a means of encouraging trust, friendship and common goals in societies affected by division.
Vetta said that sharing culture allows it to develop, while protecting it in isolation prevents such growth.
Schofield said widespread isolation and division make the café’s work especially significant.
According to her, providing a safe setting where marginalised or excluded people can express themselves without judgement creates opportunities to find their voices and connect through different musical keys, rhythms and languages.
Confluence Café focuses on artistic expression and hospitality as ways for participants to build connections, rather than engaging them in political debate.
The book is due to be launched on November 22 at the Oxford Indie Book Fair, which is being held at the Oxford University Examination Schools.
The fair runs from 11am to 4.30pm, and copies of A Confluence of Songs and Stories will be available to buy there.