Art highlights refugees’ hopes and dreams

Kaw Doh, a Karen/Burmese refugee living in Nhill. Photography by Barat Ali Batoor for 2015 Heartlands Photographic exhibition

Providing an opportunity for refugees to be seen, listened to and valued, Refugee Week features over 240 events across Australia, and runs from 14 – 20 June.

This year’s theme, ‘With courage let us all combine’​ – a line from the second verse of the national anthem – emphasises both the courage it takes to flee persecution and establish yourself in a new culture; ​and the courage required by all Australians to build a protective and safe environment in politically challenging times.

Organisations and individuals are encouraged to develop their own Refugee Week activities, with many turning to the arts to create engaging events promoting positive images of refugees and asylum seekers.

‘What we’ve seen over the past decade or so in particular has been a proliferation of arts organisations getting involved in expression, in all different forms of arts in relation to refugee issues,’ said Paul Power, CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia, which coordinates the national event.

​Given the plethora of upcoming exhibitions, film screenings, performances and other events, the arts clearly play a ​notable role in facilitating better understanding between different communities.