What does home mean if you are a refugee?

Home can be a place of refuge, a feeling or a state of mind.  What does home mean if you’ve been forced to flee your home because of war or persecution?

During June,  refugees from across Herts, supported by Herts Welcomes Refugees, share their artwork and feelings about what home means to them in a display hosted at St Albans Museum + Gallery.  The display has been organised as part of Refugee Week which takes place from 17 to 23 June:

https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/herts-welcomes-refugees

Read a rap by a young 13 year old Iranian refugee, see expressive work from our art clubs, and find out what led people to leave their homes and what we can all do to help.

Irene Austin, Chair of Herts Welcomes Refugees, welcomed the display: “This display gives an insight into refugees’ visions of home and helps us empathise with people who are making their home in a new country”.

Catherine Newley, Audience Development Manager at St Albans Museums says: “We’re delighted to support Herts Welcomes Refugees and highlight local refugees’ stories and creativity. Bringing their artworks to the Museum + Gallery not only delivers exciting new works and artists for our visitors, but encourages the wider community to reflect on the meaning of home and the challenges felt by local refugees.”

What: ‘Visions of Home’: Refugee Week display by local adult and child refugees

Where: St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Peter’s St, St Albans AL1 3DH

When: Throughout June 2024

The St Albans Museum + Gallery is open daily 11am – 5pm.

This free exhibition is outside on the railings of the St Albans Museum + Gallery 24/7 during June, with a digital display on the first floor and art work on the ground floor from a refugee workshop held at the St Albans Museum + Gallery to start the month.

“No matter where I’m from, or the colour of my skin
I deserve a chance, let the journey begin
I’ll rise above the hate, spread love and peace
A 13-year-old boy, aiming for release”

(From the rap)

With our network of over 150 volunteers, we welcome refugees and people seeking asylum across Hertfordshire. Our volunteers provide practical support to help them to connect with their communities and adjust to life in the UK.

To find out more, and view the digital display, visit https://www.hertswelcomes.org.uk/