The challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers based in Oxfordshire were brought to the fore by a new exhibition timed to coincide with National Refugee Week which took place from 17-23 June.
Windows: An Exhibition showcased individual stories and experiences of people whose voices are often unheard. The artists included families, young unaccompanied asylum seekers and adults from Oxford, Witney and Banbury.
The group created diverse, moving and exciting pieces that highlighted different experiences across a range of artforms including photography, collage, clay modelling, mural art and theatre.
Asylum Welcome, a registered charity based in Oxford and The Cultural Programme, part of the Humanities Division at the University of Oxford, worked with refugees and asylum seekers to co-create the exhibition which took place at Oxford Town Hall from 10-28 June 2024.
The exhibition also coincided with the Sanctuary Fair, a free, all-day drop-in event connecting refugees, students, and the local community. This year’s Sanctuary Fair was organised by Asylum Welcome in partnership with both Oxford universities and the City and County Councils and took place at Oxford Town Hall on Thursday 13 June.
Marking the launch of Oxford Refugee Week, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of sanctuary and showcase what is happening locally to connect refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants with students, members of the local community, and service providers. The Sanctuary Fair will feature a panel discussion, interactive workshops, exhibitions, live music, and a range of community organisation stalls. It promises to be an informative and engaging event that celebrates the diversity of the city
