The Transformative Power of Art

Nigel Osborne, Chair for Share Music’s Advisory Board, truly values the link between music, healing, and human rights. Preferring to be called a "creative musician" rather than a composer, he has devoted his life to exploring the profound impact of music on the human spirit through his work with music therapy for traumatised children in conflict zones.

– I am fascinated by music and always was intrigued – what is it, why does it have this effect? Nigel Osborne explains.

And one doesn't have to spend much time with him to realise that this curiosity drives his life's work: using art, especially music, as a positive force in the world. In his view, this is precisely what ShareMusic has been so effectively pioneering.

– That’s my life. That’s who I am and who I am trying to be. And I am very proud to be part of ShareMusic. That’s a very big part for me. It kind of helped me ground myself. It gives me a definition that is very clear.

Nigel believes strongly that art must evolve to stay relevant and impactful in today's world:

– The relocation of art is coming, and this shift is crucial to ShareMusic. It is obvious that the position of art cannot remain unchanged; it must evolve. Yet, this evolution should not result in loss – rather, it should lead to enrichment. This repositioning is exactly what we have been advocating for – putting art into the world in a more dynamic way. And the world needs it.

According to the composer, this vision has long been a core part of ShareMusic's philosophy. The organisation has always recognised the importance of art relocation and making a meaningful difference in society, blending art and human rights together in an effective way:

– ShareMusic knew that long ago and has been building that, so we have a living model of that – not just a new idea, but a very developed idea that’s well looked after and well cared for.

Indeed, for Nigel Osborne, ShareMusic’s approach to art and music is fundamentally a practice of human rights:

– ShareMusic is human rights. It transcends any declaration or UN convention on human rights. From the very start, the wisdom of Sophia [editorial note: Sophia Alexandersson, Artistic Director at ShareMusic & Performing Arts] has fostered an environment where every action at ShareMusic is a practice of human rights – beyond what any document can capture. This is the power of creative arts in human rights, and this is the power of ShareMusic.

One such example is the Muse-IT project, a democratic initiative aimed at enhancing access to art for people with disabilities and the general public.

– This project is particularly important as it enables people to experience art from their homes, Nigel illustrates. There is a big human rights issue there, which is in terms of offering people what they otherwise can’t do.

Beyond his work with ShareMusic, Nigel Osborne has dedicated his professional life to music therapy for traumatised children in conflict zones such as the Balkans during the Bosnian War, Chechnya, and, more recently, Ukraine—particularly in Kharkiv and Lviv. In these areas, he developed specialised music programmes that brought significant therapeutic benefits to children affected by war. These programmes, employing innovative music therapy techniques, aim to address the psychological and emotional needs of the children, helping them express themselves, process their experiences and heal in a safe, creative environment. Through group activities, these sessions promote community and resilience, helping the children find comfort and a sense of normalcy through music.

– We must reconnect... Children's rights originated with the creative arts and therapeutic work, and now, it's all coming together again, concludes Nigel Osborne, a creative musician.

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