The challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers based in Oxfordshire are to be brought to the fore by a new exhibition launching this week, ahead of Refugee Week which takes place from 17-23 June.
Windows: An Exhibition showcases individual stories and experiences of people whose voices are often unheard. The artists include families, young unaccompanied asylum seekers and adults from Oxford, Witney and Banbury.
The group has created diverse, moving and exciting pieces that highlight different experiences across a range of artforms including photography, collage, clay modelling, mural art and theatre.
Asylum Welcome, a registered charity based in Oxford and The Cultural Programme, part of the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford, have worked with refugees and asylum seekers to co-create the exhibition. It takes place at Oxford Town Hall from 10-28 June 2024, Monday to Saturday, from 12pm – 5pm.
The exhibition also coincides with the Sanctuary Fair, a free, all-day drop-in event connecting refugees, students, and the local community. This year’s Sanctuary Fair is organised by Asylum Welcome in partnership with both Oxford universities and the City and County Councils and will take place at Oxford Town Hall on Thursday 13 June from 1.30pm-6.30pm.
Marking the launch of Oxford Refugee Week, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of sanctuary and showcase what is happening locally to connect refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants with students, members of the local community, and service providers. The Sanctuary Fair will feature a panel discussion, interactive workshops, exhibitions, live music, and a range of community organisation stalls. It promises to be an informative and engaging event that celebrates the diversity of the city.
