In recent years, we’ve seen record numbers of men, women and children forced to flee their homes and risk their lives in a desperate search for safety – as part of a humanitarian and refugee crisis that is defining our generation.
Scotland responded compassionately to the crisis – many Scots opened their hearts to those in need and grassroots voluntary groups sprung up as the seeds of a modern refugee welcome movement.
Refugee Festival Scotland recognises this difficult present – but it’s also about being inspired by the people who are becoming part of our country’s rich tapestry, as we move into the future together.
Programme picks
We’ve had an incredible response from artists, organisations and community groups all across Scotland looking to be part of this year’s programme. With more than 100 insightful and spirited events, it’s difficult to choose which to mention, so here are just a few picks.
‘Celebrating Solidarity’- Refugee Festival Scotland Launch
Saturday 18 June, 12.00pm – 4.00pm
We hope as many people as possible will join us in showing solidarity with refugees across Scotland at our upcoming gathering with activities for all the family to launch Refugee Festival Scotland 2016 at The Hidden Gardens and Tramway.
‘Lest We Forget’: First World War – Refugees Then & Now’
Various dates
Over the past year, a group of refugees and local Scots have been working to uncover the hidden heritage of thousands of Belgian refugees who came to Scotland during WW1 and draw parallels with their own experiences of re-building their lives in Scotland today.
Discover their findings in our inspiring and powerful documentary film (14 June) and visual art exhibition (14-26 June), including original art work, oral histories, personal testimonies, objects and photographs at the Mitchell Library. Or why not pop along to and meet the group at our commemorative tree unveiling event (4 June)?
Transit Zone
Various dates
Discover ‘Transit Zone’, a series of atmospheric images and video showing what life is like for refugees in the makeshift camps of Calais by multi-award winning photographer Iman Tajik and filmmaker Frederik Subei. The exhibition (9-26 June) accompanies documentary ‘Transit Zone’ by Frederik Subei, which is screened at CCA. You can ‘Meet the Artists’ at an informal discussion event (23 June) at Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow.
Solidarietà. Summer Evening of Classical Music
Experience a beautiful evening of classical music hosted by The Italian Cultural Institute (3 June) in support of Scottish Refugee Council’s work helping refugees re-build their lives in Scotland.
Featuring evocative performances from Armenian pianist Ani Martirosyan, and Japanese violinist Nobuko Murakoshi, this one off event, in the atmospheric surrounds of St Andrew’s Cathedral, is not to be missed.
Celebrate solidarity with refugees at a Community Celebration event in your local area!
Scottish Refugee Council is supporting community-led groups’ right across the country to participate in the festival by organising an activity in their local area.
Choose from over 30 family-friendly fun days, sports events, music nights and discussions and gain insight into what life is like for refugees living in Scotland.
Use our new festival listings page to find out what’s happening in your area.
Celebrating solidarity with refugees across Scotland
Now, more than ever, we need to stand in solidarity, visibly and proudly, with the people who’ve had to flee everything precious to them to survive and build new lives here.
Join us and show your solidarity with refugees this June. Let’s stand together, welcome new friends and celebrate Scotland as our home – a place that we can all belong to.
See you there!
For more information contact festival@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk or call 0141 248 9799.
Refugee Festival Scotland is coordinated by Scottish Refugee Council – supporting refugees re-build their lives in Scotland for 30 years. In these challenging times, our work has never been more important. If you would like to support our work, your can make a donation online.
Our full festival event listings are now online! Check them out to see what’s on where you are.
Finally, have you seen the new Refugee Festival Scotland brochure? Here you can discover some of the programme highlights and how the festival brings people together. We love it, and hope you do too!
Join the conversation #RefugeeFestScot on social media. Come and say hello on Facebook and Twitter.
