Refugee Week is currently taking place with a number of events scheduled across Brighton.
The annual celebration began yesterday and will run until June 26, showcasing the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and asylum-seekers.
This year’s theme is Healing and the events organized by the City Council aim to celebrate community, helping each other and the “human capacity to start over”.
Councilor Steph Powell, Co-Chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, said, “Refugee Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the resilience, determination and skills brought to the city by those who arrive here after long dangerous journeys.
“We are proud of our long history of solidarity and welcoming refugees to Brighton and Hove.
“We have seen it again this year in the vital support provided by our communities to those fleeing war in Ukraine.
“This year’s theme of healing tells us that we have much to learn from refugees about staying hopeful when going on seems impossible – as well as how art, creativity and community can help us heal. .
Here is a list of events taking place across the city:
Refugee Week with Brighton and Hove Libraries
Brighton and Hove Libraries are running a program of cultural events, thematic discussions and information sharing to celebrate and raise awareness of Refugee Week.
Libraries worked with guest programmers Luqman Temitayo Onikosi and Sara Alsherif whose contributions were important in reflecting those seeking refuge and shaped this year’s offering.
Themed collections for all ages will be featured throughout the week in our online libraries and displays. Information about Refugee Week and events taking place across the city will be available in the Jubilee Library lobby until Friday.
On Sunday, members of the Ukrainian community will be at the Jubilee Library to share information about Ukraine and answer questions.
Diala Brisly Illustrating Hope – solo art exhibition produced in collaboration with The Socially Engaged Art Salon
Monday to Saturday in the main windows of the Jubilee Library
Born in Kuwait in 1980 to Syrian parents, Diala Brisly is a visual artist who grew up in Damascus.
After the outbreak of the war in Syria, she took part in the uprising against the Assad regime and had to flee to Turkey and then to Lebanon.
There she began working with “tent schools”, painting murals and running art therapy workshops in refugee camps across the country.
Diala uses her art to confront her own trauma from the war in Syria and to advocate for the human rights of others.
Story time for preschoolers and their parents and guardians
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10.15 a.m. in the children’s area of the Jubilee Library
“We welcome all families to join us for these story hour sessions celebrating diversity and inclusion.
“On Tuesday, library staff will be joined by Sara Alsherif with stories read in Arabic and English.”
Free deposit.
Sand art workshop with Momodou Saine
Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Whitehawk Library
Join sand painting artist Momodou and have fun creating.
Originally from Gambia, Momodou developed in his childhood a painting technique using sand of different colors.
Free deposit. Refreshments provided.
The International Women’s Network
Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Jubilee Library community space
People are invited to bring their favorite poems to share and read aloud in their native language.
The International Women’s Network provides a platform for women from different cultures and backgrounds to meet, share experiences and knowledge and support each other.
Meet to sew, knit, craft and make friends.
Free welcome for women.
Our Common Threads – Artist Bern O’Donoghue Reflects on the Theme of Healing
Jubilee Library ground floor, Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sewing the words of asylum seekers, former refugees, advocates and activists onto their clothes, Bern reflects on healing.
Come chat or bring an everyday garment to embroider and celebrate community, mutual aid and the human capacity to start over.
Free, all welcome.
Story time for preschoolers and their parents and guardians
Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. in the Hove Library Children’s Area
“We welcome all families to join us for this story hour session celebrating diversity and inclusion.”
Free deposit – no need to book
Refugees and asylum seekers – the application process: expectations and challenges
Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Jubilee Library conference room.
From 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., join legal professionals Madeleine Kelleher, Iain F. Palmer and Jo Wilding for an advice panel on claiming asylum and refugee status, the asylum process, what they need to prove and access to legal advice.
From 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Individual legal consultation, 15-minute private sessions with lawyers.
Free deposit – no need to reserve. Refreshments provided.
Sky Between My Teeth: Creative Writing Workshop for Migrants
Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with one lunch hour)
Jubilee Library Conference Room 3
Georgina Aboud and Akila M Richards will examine the fundamentals of storytelling, create real-life character and dialogue, read excerpts from published writers, and, of course, write!
People from immigration or from abroad are invited to participate. There are two sessions, and you are welcome to book for one or both.
“Maybe you already write, or just want to get started, all levels from complete beginners to more experienced writers are welcome! Your English doesn’t have to be perfect, just a good understanding is necessary (useful) to ensure you get the most out of the workshops.”
Free – please reserve a place in advance on the Creative Future website.
Belly Dance Workshop for Women with Sara Alsherif
Friday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hangleton Library
Open to women and those who identify as a woman.
Join Sara for this fun dance workshop suitable for all levels and explore the art of belly dancing.
Plan comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water, dance scarves provided.
Free, please reserve your spot in advance on Eventbrite.
Workshop Printed Postcards for Peace with East Side Print
Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Whitehawk Library
Join East Side Print for this workshop on creating printed postcards on the theme of Hope and Peace.
Print two postcards, one to keep and one to give to a new friend or neighbor who might need some friendship.
Free, without appointment. Suitable for all ages.
Global musical event with the best foot music and hopeful solidarities
Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main hall of the Jubilee Library
Libraries works with Best Foot Music and Hopeful Solidarities to bring performances by Polina Shepard; Brighton and Hove Yiddish Choir Bashir Al Gamar, Jamal & Alaa and special guests Dina, Polina, Bella and solo artist Yulya Fytsalo sharing Ukrainian songs.
Food from Syria, Sudan and Ethiopia available for a suggested donation.
Free, all welcome.
Screening of the film The Universality of Everything
Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Jubilee Library conference room – adults only
The Universality of It All directed by Andrés Bronnimann is a feature-length documentary focusing on the themes of human migration and inequality.
“The filmmaker tells the story of his best friend Emad, a Yemeni refugee living in Vancouver, Canada, and in doing so, he comes to a profound realization of the interconnectedness of all major events of the 21st century. ”
Please note that this film contains violent scenes that some may find disturbing.
Free, adults only. Free popcorn offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book your free ticket in advance on EventBrite or show up on the day.
Sanctuary library
Jubilee Library prides itself on being a “sanctuary library”, a diverse community space where everyone can feel welcome and included and connect with others.
The Libraries of Sanctuary initiative was set up to recognize the good practices of libraries that welcome people seeking refuge and other newcomers to their community and seek to foster a culture of welcome and inclusion.
For more information on any of the events please contact library@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 290 800.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-21 13:21:30
