Join us to celebrate the 2023 theme of Refugee Week: Compassion.
We’re excited to be showing a range of artworks, including works by refugees and asylum seekers who have been part of our Studio of Sanctuary project.
Special events include:
Painting Masterclass in British Sign Language with Julio on Tuesday 20th 2:30-4pm
Followed by a Celebration event from 4-6pm on Tuesday 20th.
Opening Times
Free and open to all.
The exhibition will be open at the below times (please note, the gallery is closed for a private event on Tuesday 20th June):
Monday 19th June, 1-4pm
Wednesday 21st June, 1-4pm
Thursday 22nd June, 1-4pm
Friday 23rd June, 1-4pm
Saturday 24th June, 1-4pm
You can find access information and directions here.
Exhibitor information
Birds of Compassion
A joyous, colourful and diverse flock of birds, moves through the gallery in solidarity with people fleeing war and persecution. These ‘birds of compassion’ representing freedom, migration and unity, have been made by over 500 local people.
Our thanks to pupils and teachers from St Augustine’s CE School, Beech Hill School, Crossley Heath School, Deans Field Community Primary School, Copley Primary School and many other youth and community groups and individuals – to many to name.
Studio of Sanctuary artists
The works on the walls are by three artists, all seeking asylum and living in Halifax. They are part of Artwork’s Studio of Sanctuary scheme which provides space, materials and support for people seeking sanctuary to develop their artistic practice.
Julio is an artist from El Salvador. He plays for Halifax Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League.
5. A Beautiful Parakeet
1. A Family of Parakeets
4. One Night the Wolf
2. In my Dream I Meet the Moon
10. After Dali
Sumaia and Shakhawan are artists from Iraq. They work collaboratively on pieces and separately.
3. Life in Simple – don’t make it hard
7. Journey
13. Think About It
14. Think Out Of The Box (the soul is bigger than the body sets limits for)
9. Absorb
11. Gazing
12. Transform
6. Identity (be like water, let the situation change your shape but not your soul)
8. Hope (it doesn’t matter what you are, or how small you are, one day you will be a great rescuer)
16. Reflection (in dark times, you see how beautiful and shining you are)
15. Look Deeply
Projection
Images from the Compassion project at Savile Park that took place last week: a bold statement about the importance of compassion for all, especially those seeking a safe place to rebuild their lives.
Mytholmroyd based company Sand In Your Eye, created this huge piece of land art, featuring two friends living in Calderdale: Sobeda from Bangladesh who is seeking asylum, and Lucy, a nurse. They met on a Befriending project at St Augustine’s Centre, and their blossoming connection epitomises compassion in action. Hundreds of local people added the birds that surround Sobeda and Lucy, in solidarity.
Credit: Charlotte Graham.
Ceramic Hands by Helen Birnbaum
Terra Firma Leaky Boat consists of 130 ceramic hands each made individually in different clay colours reflecting all of humanity. Made in response to the UK’s hosting of COP 26, Terra Firma Leaky boat draws attention to the destruction that we are causing our precious planet and the 20 million people who have to leave their homes each year due to extreme weather events.
St Augustine’s Creative Tuesday Group
A small selection of work by a group of people seeking sanctuary. They meet weekly at St Augustines to try different art forms, led by Louisa Clarkson.
With thanks to…
Louisa Clarkson, Rosie Moon, Sarah O’Boyle, Esther Tait, Mike, Anita, Rachel and everyone at Artworks. Tom at Counterpoint Arts, Liz at Sand In Your Eye, Amber and Laura at Valley of Sanctuary, Ian Day, Kirsten Fussing and Sara Suheim at Calderdale Council, Frank Darnley, Lorcan Moriarty, Matt Cameron, Mike, Rachel, Katie Marshall, the team at St Augustine’s Centre, Zephie Begolo and everyone seeking sanctuary in Calderdale.