Let's celebrate Refugee Week 2022...
Refugee Week is taking place this week (20 - 26 June) and we are so excited to be hosting the ‘Healing’ exhibition in our beautiful gallery space as part of it. This exhibition provides the opportunity to share positive stories about the role that art can play in healing, as well as provide an important platform for underrepresented voices in our community.
It’s been the first open call exhibition we’ve had since the pandemic and it’s been a real joy to hang so many fantastic and engaging pieces of artwork. So a big thank you to everyone who submitted work! The exhibition will be open from the 20th June to the 2nd of July. The exhibition is free to attend and available to view on the following dates:
-Tuesday 21st June, 12-3pm
-Monday 27th June, 12-3pm
-Tuesday 28th June, 12-3pm
-Wednesday 29th June, 12-3pm
-Thursday 30th June, 12-3pm
-Friday 1st July, 12-3pm
We do hope you’ll come down and say hello!
Also, don’t forget to join us this Friday (24 June) at 3pm for a celebration event in the gallery to mark the exhibition. There’ll be performances, an opportunity to meet some of the artists and a chance to view the exhibition.
This week, we are more proud than ever to be a member of Valley of Sanctuary, a group working to make Calderdale a place of safety for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. If you would like to support the vital work they do, you can sign up to join Valley of Sanctuary as a member here.
Our Healing exhibition also sheds the spotlight on Julio, our current Studio of Sanctuary artist-in-residence. Our studio of Sanctuary programme provides an opportunity for Asylum Seekers and Refugees living in Calderdale to develop their artistic practice in a dedicated studio environment. If you would like to support the work we do to make this happen, please consider making a donation so we can continue giving much needed access to studio spaces.
What’s on?
There are lots of activities taking place across Calderdale this week (and beyond) to support and celebrate Refugee Week. Check them out below:
Refugee Week Libraries Display
20 - 26th June, Elland, Brighouse & Kings Cross Libraries
Pop in to your local library and learn a bit about Refugee Week and Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary.
Story about Africa Refugees
Tuesday 21 June, 12 noon - 1 pm (FREE) St. Augustine's Centre, Halifax
Light Up BAHC invite you to join special speakers Brown Giwa and Mbabazi Doreen to hear stories and learn about issues facing refugees from Africa.
Fundraising Takeaway
Wednesday 22 June, 10-12 noon, Leila's Kitchen, Hebden Bridge
20% of all sales donated to Together We Grow. Book your special 2 course meal from Leila's Kitchen for £12.00. To reserve your meals please email togetherwegrow2@yahoo.com with your name and number of meals required.
St Augustines Open Day
Thursday June 23, 11am - 2pm (FREE) St. Augustine's Centre, Halifax
Come and find out more about what St. Augustine's do and enjoy delicious food from around the world! Drop-in activities, tours, music, opportunities to get involved. Please RSVP sara.robinson@staugustinescentrehalifax. org.uk
Across Borders: Refugee Awareness Event
Friday 24 June, 1-3 pm (FREE) Brighouse High School
We explore what it means to seek asylum, busting myths about migration, and raising awareness about the biggest humanitarian crisis today. RSVP necessary: comms@calderdale.cityofsanctuary.org
Great Walk Together
Saturday 25 June, 1-4 pm (FREE) Hebden Bridge Park
Join Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary for a picnic and a walk in beautiful Hebden Bridge. We'll gather around 1 and head out for a walk at 2 pm. No need to book, just turn up on the day. Please bring your own picnic lunch.
Great Get Together
Saturday 25 June, 12 noon - 6 pm (FREE) Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge
Inspired by Jo Cox's National Great Get Together, this event is organised by Reach4wrd Community Project. Come for a tea party, bake off, DJs and loads of free events for the whole family!
Light Up For Refugee Week
Wainhouse Tower, Halifax
Keep a lookout at night as Wainhouse Tower lights up orange all week to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community.
Six ways you can take part:
(No matter where you are!)
1. Join an event
There are hundreds of events taking place across the UK (and beyond!), from comedy to football, concerts to picnics, exhibitions to creative workshops. Scroll further down to see all the exciting events that are taking place in Calderdale.
2. Do a Simple Act
Watch a film, have a chat, plant a seed… Simple Acts are everyday things we can all do to connect with each other and stand with refugees this Refugee Week. Find out more and choose your Simple Act on Refugee Week’s Simple Acts page.
3. Hold an event
Refugee Week events come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not too late to plan one! The Refugee Week Organiser Pack has everything you need to get started.
4. Take part at your school
Hundreds of primary and secondary schools take part in Refugee Week every year – not to mention colleges, universities and even nurseries and playgroups. Our Refugee Week Children and Young People’s Pack is full of creative ideas and resources for children and young people of all ages
5. Join the conversation
Follow Refugee Week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and take part using the hashtags #HealingTogether #RefugeeWeek2022. For shareable graphics and suggested posts, check out the Refugee Week 2022 social media pack.
6. Show your support
Hang a Refugee Week poster in your window or put one up at your school or workplace, and give out postcards to friends and family. Posters and postcards feature an illustration inspired by the theme ‘Healing’ by artist Nima Javan, and are available to order for free from the Refugee Week online shop.