We’re delighted to announce the launch of an ambitious new project supporting artists from refugee and other migrant backgrounds.

Artists and cultural activists are often at the forefront of community life, development and social justice. But they are especially at risk of censorship, harassment, imprisonment and persecution when their work gives voice to ideas, imagination and freedom of expression.

Article 27Our new Cross Borders programme will create a support network to help artists seeking safety in Scotland to feel more at home in their local communities and play a meaningful role in shaping Scottish cultural and social life.

Our CEO, Sabir Zazai said: “I’m delighted to share this wonderful news. When people seeking safety come to Scotland, they bring with them a wealth of new ideas, cultures and creativity.

“The funding we have received from the Comic Relief Change Makers will allow us to take forward this exciting new project. We look forward to building on our work supporting refugee artists over the next three years and seeing how their creativity helps to enrich and breathe new life into our communities.”

Cross Borders will deliver a programme of arts and cultural activism, thematic events, mentoring, commissions and collaborations. This three-year project aims to bring together artists and activists from refugee and other migrant backgrounds with the arts and culture sector in Scotland.

The programme is supported by Comic Relief’s Change Makers fund.

Cross Borders will be further supported by our partners Deveron Projects, UNESCO RILA and A Moment’s Peace Theatre who have extensive experience of working locally and internationally in the realms of arts, integration and social justice.

For more information, contact Soizig Carey at soizig.carey@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Rachel Lamb
Author: Rachel Lamb