Abu Dhabi, UAE — In a world far too often defined by chaos, distance and isolation, the Futures in Tune (FIT) community proved that music can bridge continents and inspire hope.

 

This past October, teaching artists, coordinators, and program leaders from India, South Africa, Zambia, and the United States came together in Abu Dhabi for the first-ever FIT Global Gathering for a week that blended professional development, cultural exchange, and the shared joy of creating music that fosters a sense of belonging.

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Hosted by the wonderful team at the Berklee Abu Dhabi campus, the gathering marked a milestone for the growing FIT network, which now spans classrooms and communities across India, South Africa, Zambia, and the United States. For many, it was not only the first time meeting their international colleagues face-to-face, but their first time traveling internationally.

 

For some, it was also their first time ever on a plane. This served as a powerful reminder that while the FIT team may live oceans apart, they share one mission: music education as a force for connection and opportunity for the next generation.

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“This experience has been a fantastic opportunity for me to connect with the global FIT community,” shared one participant.

 

“I've had the chance to meet and work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which has broadened my understanding and skills.”

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Throughout the week, the FIT team took part in the Berklee Abu Dhabi Creative Arts Educators’ Symposium, as well as a series of our own workshops, musical collaborations, and reflection sessions focused on strengthening teaching practice and expanding the impact of arts education in underserved communities.

 

Guided by leaders from Berklee and Bloom Arts Foundation, participants explored topics ranging from creative pedagogy in the world of AI and cross-cultural collaboration to leadership in music education.

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But beyond the symposium and workshops, something deeper came to fruition - a sense of global family. In just a few days, the group moved from formal introductions to laughter, from collaboration to a shared feeling of purpose. Participants spoke of a unique warmth and belonging, one that genuinely transcended geography and language.

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“Overall, this experience has been incredibly valuable for my personal and professional growth,” reflected another participant. “Knowing that we belong to a team that is there for each other with one goal - the best in music for our children.”

 

That spirit of togetherness became a living testament to FIT’s vision: a future where creative collaboration replaces barriers, and where every child - no matter where they live - has access to a creative education which prepares them for a truly bright and successful future.

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To capture this extraordinary moment, a documentary film crew joined the gathering, documenting the music, the conversations, and the unspoken moments of connection that defined the week. The film aims to share these stories of hope, inspiration, and global unity with the world - a window into what’s possible when educators and artists come together with a shared mission. To view a teaser of the documentary, click here.

 

Now, Bloom Arts Foundation is seeking individuals and sponsors interested in joining this story as Executive Producers, helping bring the documentary to a global audience. By supporting the film, Executive Producers will not only receive credit but also play a vital role in amplifying a movement that is reshaping the future of arts education worldwide. To inquire, please visit https://www.bloomartsfoundation.org/contact and send us a note.

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As the week in Abu Dhabi came to a close, participants left with notebooks full of ideas, hearts full of inspiration, and the profound sense that they were part of something bigger - a united global family. From Mumbai to KwaZulu-Natal, Livingstone to Los Angeles, that family continues to grow, proving that when people come together through music, the world’s future - and our children’s - becomes brighter.

 

We are grateful to all of our generous donors who helped not only to make this gathering a reality, but to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of children around the world. We can’t wait for our team’s next gathering in 2026!