With support from the British Council #DigitalCollaborationFund Paragon is maintains a generative collaboration between Scotland and Mexico through work with San Juan del Río-based inclusive arts organisation, Armonía E Inclusión AC.

The project so far:

Since March 2020, Paragon's Stride band and Armonía's Rock DI have collaborated for a series of workshops, masterclasses, music-making sessions and live performance opportunities. 

The groups have written and recorded an incredible album together - Abrazos - developing each other's creativity whilst forging strong friendships. In June 2023 they had the opportunity to meet and play in person when Rock DI visited Scotland for a week of artistic and cultural exchange⁣. 

Watch our Abrazos documentary:

Filmed by CherryMan Media, edited by CherryMan Media and Sam Kenyon

Rock DI and Paragon at British Council Scotland, Edinburgh. 📸: Amy Sinead Photography


Otokani and Gabriel soundcheck at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow. 📸: David Cherry


Liam and Anthony tuning up! 📸: David Cherry


Diego on stage with Stride and Rock DI at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow. 📸: Amy Sinead Photography


Charlotte performs with Stride and Rock DI at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow. 📸: Amy Sinead Photography


The view from the stage at Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow. 📸: Amy Sinead Photography

Nin and Jodie ceilidh dancing at Loks Bar, Glasgow. 📸: David Cherry


Abrazos! 📸: David Cherry


What's next? :

The project continues into 2024 with Proximus - an international dance choreography and film commission supported by the British Council and Creative Scotland that has seen us collaborate with partners in Italy, Mexico and India to create ground breaking new work by emerging disabled artists. In addition to a series of music, dance and film works, the project has expanded into an educational context with artists and practitioners exchanging their practice and learnings with peers across the arts sectors in their respective countries.

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Abrazos is supported by the British Council's #digitalcollaborationfund with additional support from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, The National Lottery Community Fund

Find out more about the Digital Collaboration Fund, here.