On November 6, 2025, the Curb Center at Vanderbilt University will host “Melodies of Crossing: An Immersive Night of Global Music Across Rooms.” This event is part of the Nashville Immigrant and Refugee Music and Art Project, known as the NIRMA Project. A collective of immigrant and refugee musicians from regions including Iran, Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Egypt, and Venezuela will perform music that reflects their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Founded in 2024 by interdisciplinary artist and Vanderbilt University Assistant Professor of Art Raheleh Filsoofi and multi-instrumentalist Reza Filsoofi, the NIRMA Project aims to celebrate and amplify the cultural contributions of immigrant and refugee communities in Middle Tennessee, particularly in Nashville. The initiative is rooted in the belief that art and music transcend language and borders, fostering a sense of belonging through performances, workshops, exhibitions, and dialogues.
The NIRMA Project reimagines Nashville’s cultural landscape, emphasizing movement, migration, and shared humanity. The performers hail from a range of cultural backgrounds, from Middle Eastern and African traditions to Latin American influences. This diversity enriches Nashville’s identity as “Music City,” expanding the city’s sonic and visual vocabulary.
As Nashville continues to grow as a destination for immigrants and refugees seeking new opportunities, the NIRMA Project’s mission is to promote collaboration among artists, creating spaces for cultural and artistic dialogue. Recent initiatives have included a Nowruz Celebration at the Frist Art Museum, clay and music workshops in partnership with the Nashville International Center for Empowerment, and events hosted at various venues, including the Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice and the Darkhorse Theater.
The NIRMA Project is also developing a digital platform to connect immigrant and refugee artists across Tennessee. This platform will serve as an accessible database for curators, institutions, and event organizers, facilitating collaborations for performances and exhibitions.
Both Raheleh and Reza Filsoofi have been dedicated to bridging cultural divides since their immigration to the United States in the 2000s. Their previous work, such as the 2017 exhibition “Imagined Boundaries,” connected audiences in Tehran and Hollywood through simultaneous installations. Their collaborative project, “The Resonance of the Lands,” involved creating over 30 ceramic instruments inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and African drums, using clay sourced from Nashville.
“Melodies of Crossing” continues the Filsoofis’ legacy of fostering connections through art and music. This event highlights the talents of immigrant and refugee artists, reinforcing Nashville’s identity as a city shaped by migration, resilience, and the universal language of art.
The immersive experience at the Curb Center promises to be a celebration of cultural diversity. Attendees can RSVP for the event at https://anchorlink.vanderbilt.edu/event/11804881, ensuring they do not miss this unique opportunity to engage with global music and community.
