The Art of Building Bridges: A Night of Connection at La Mansarda

I wade past the crowds of the Cobblestone Bar into the back space. It’s a quaint, moody space and was bustling with people who had likely heard about the uniqueness offered by La Mansarda events through it’s previous attendees. A diverse catalogue of performers in spoken word, poetry, artistry, music and dance, many of whom are a variety of nationalities with their own engaging stories of how their art has allowed them to connect with their sense of self, life story or place of origin. 

Each artist directly addresses the attendees with vulnerability, highlighting how each piece they perform was threaded into the theme of the event. The theme of this such event was ‘The Art of Building Bridges’. It speaks to the overall intention of La Mansarda, to bridge the arts and people’s humanity, with particular thoughts given to those in areas of conflict and suffering. We are starkly reminded of our privilege and how much can be done to contribute to and hold these communities in mind.

Mirroring the individuality each artist brings, the crowd, too are an eclectic mix of folk who appreciate, and are open to, going on the journey that this event undoubtedly is going to bring us on. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the crowd felt from initial introductions, smiles and the plethora of pints of Guinness on tables. 

The event begins with the passionate French folk singer David Delph who strums his guitar in unison with the crowd as they sip on cold pints of Guinness. Following this, the spoken word artist Ned Dunn, who captures the crowd with his raw descriptions of growing up in Dublin’s fair city and the beautify and sorrow that comes with it. Next the Spanish harp player Pilar Paradela mesmerises the crowd with the gravity of the instrument and it’s delicate sound. Suddenly there is a shift in energy. The duo of Tango La Cumparsita cause the crowd to turn in their chairs watching their perfectly synced bodies glide up and down the room. There is a sense that as the momentum builds, and glasses grow empty, that we too will eventually be up attempting to tango, however less elegantly! Finally, the Barrio Cubano band with pace and gusto lift everyone from their seats. Inhibitions gone, laughing and dancing, the crowd is connected to one another. They express a joy and freedom that only art can evoke. 

There is indeed an art to building bridges between people from all walks of life and connecting them with the distinct experiences of those who need humanitarian aid. Yet, this fine art is gracefully achieved by the wonderfully curated La Mansarda events and the amiable and unprejudiced crowd it attracts.

---

About the ahuthor

​Katie is a psychologist living in Dublin with a keen love for live music. She can often be found at various festivals around Ireland and abroad during the summer months, and in a cosy pub with a fire and good Guinness listening to trad music during the winter.