Refugee Week 2020: June 15-21
This week, from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June 2020, it is UK Refugee Week. Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees.
The project was founded in 1998, is coordinated by Counterpoints Arts but supported by many partners. The week-long festival returns every year around World Refugee Day, on June 20.
Refugee Week is an ‘umbrella festival’ consisting of artistic, cultural, educational events and creative campaigns. The events take various shapes and forms; from exhibitions, films screenings and workshops to school activities and museum tours. Everyone is welcome to get involved by holding or joining an event.
Due to the exceptional circumstances this year, the Refugee Week events will be held online. There are events and activities suitable for everyone and for all ages and a perfect way to stay entertained from your home!
A short selection of online activities taking place this year:
- No Direction Home, featuring Mo Omar, will hold an online comedy evening on Tuesday the 16th of June.
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/no-direction-home-featuring-mo-omar/
- Ellen Hathaway Dance Company will be hosting daily dance classes throughout the week, every morning at 11am. A great way to start the day and to stay active during these times!
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/live-online-dance-classes/ - Feeling creative? Ort Gallery artist Freehand Fanatic has created a tutorial on how to draw a Mandala, suitable for beginners.
For more information see: http://ortgallery.co.uk/workshops/how-to-draw-a-mandala-for-beginners-freehand-fanatic/ - The Manchester International Roots Orchestra (MIRO), a unique ensemble of musicians with roots from all over the world, have recorded a unique digital performance during lockdown.
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/manchester-international-roots-orchestra/ - Dr Carlos Sandoval García, of the University of Costa Rica, has made his documentary ‘Home in a Foreign Land’/’Casa en Tierra Ajena’ available on YouTube for Refugee Week.
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/home-in-a-foreign-landcasa-en-tierra-ajena/
- Brighton and Hove Libraries, New Writing South and Book Nook have organised a ‘flash fiction’ writing competition. You can enter your submission for free and win a writing support package worth £150.
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/flash-fiction-writing-competition/ - No inspiration left for cooking while the restaurants remain closed? No worries, Woin has got you covered. She will host a vegan Ethiopian cooking workshop on Thursday evening, June 18, at 6pm. On the menu is Kei Misir (spiced lentil stew) and Tikel Gomen (sautéed yellow cabbage, carrots and potatoes).
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/vegan-ethiopian-cookery-class-woin/ - On the evening of Saturday June 20, World Refugee Day, you can join a virtual quiz night organised by Refugee Compassion (for £5 per team). It is a family friendly quiz and a great way to spend your Saturday evening inside!
For more information see: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/big-virtual-quiz/
Check out the Refugee Week website for all the events taking place throughout the week. In addition, to stay up to date, you can tune into Refugee Week Radio, every day from 10-11am.
The LIDC-MLT hopes that as many people as possible will join in this week of collective action, discussion and learning!