New exhibit at CMHR highlights music which has driven social and political change

A pair of award-winning artists hit the stage at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as part of the Beyond the Beat Music Series, which looks to present historical and contemporary examples of how musicians and audiences have used music to make a difference.

Locals got the chance to view the exhibit called Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change, which is filled with interactive pieces showcasing how music has been a driving factor in social and political change from the 1950s to today.

“Sometimes human rights can be overwhelming, maybe inaccessible to some folks and popular music makes it really approachable and accessible to folks,” said Julia Peristerakis, the curator of Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change.

Both artists had their own stories added to the exhibit, with Red River singer-songwriter Andrina Turenne saying this whole experience has been a dream, as it’s not only amazing to open the show for Sarah Harmer who she’s looked up to, but to be recognized in the city she calls home is priceless.

“It’s really beautiful to highlight the way music can really lend its voice to social change and consciousness,” said Turenne.

“It plays such a big part in the music I create, but also the art I put forward in the world, so it’s always extremely special to play here and I hold it close to my heart.”

Singer-songwriter and environmental activist Sarah Harmer says she was honored to be invited to headline the concert, saying there are a lot of major issues in the world right now, especially surrounding Human rights, and hopes locals come out to not only learn how impactful music can be

“I think for people to take away from this exhibit and the show tonight, is that they have power in their lives and to believe that that’s the first place to start,” said Harmer.

The exhibit will be sticking around until the end of September, before traveling across Canada.