318 Music, Migration and Misinformation: the potential of arts-based methods to increase social inclusion in multi-ethnic communities

Abstract EP3.4, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 Aim Mis- and disinformation about migration are increasingly being used to disrupt and create divisions in communities. Responses to information are shaped by personal, emotional, social and cultural influences and trust in the data source. The arts play an important role in regulating our responses to experiences and information. Music is biologically important for interpersonal attunement and is effective in developing social bonds and building trust. Its ability to engage, beyond the limits of language, makes it a valuable tool to support the health and well-being of multi-ethic communities. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of innovative, interdisciplinary and participatory research methods to combat disinformation and increase social inclusion in multi-ethnic communities. Methods This feasibility study recruited participants from multi-ethnic communities to a co-designed, 12-week intercultural song exchange and data literacy programme. Participants committed to learning about each other through song and data. Social inclusion and confidence in ability to recognise disinformation about migration were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Evaluation was carried out using surveys and interviews and the study ended with a community-based performance of singing and data storytelling. Results Thirty-six participants from four continents, speaking 17 different languages, were recruited to the study. At baseline, one in five (21%) were not confident in their ability to recognise disinformation about migration which decreased to 8% by the end of the study. A quarter (24%) described themselves as not feeling settled and part of the community which decreased to 12% by the end of the study. Conclusions This study has demonstrated the innovative use of participatory, interdisciplinary research methods, combining the arts and data literacy, to combat disinformation and increase social inclusion in multi-ethnic communities. Further research is needed to explore the scalability of this project.