‘We are proud that Scotland provides a place of safety to men, women and children fleeing terrible situations around the world and think this is something worth celebrating.’ – Suzi Maciver, Scottish Refugee Council
Refugee Festival Scotland is back for its fifteenth year and runs from 3 – 21 June with a packed programme of events at venues across Edinburgh. From art to theatre there is something for everyone to get involved with and learn more about life for refugees in the UK.
The first festival took place in 2000 and was held over one day in Glasgow. It has now rapidly expanded to involve communities all across Scotland with its wide range of events!
This year’s festival theme is ‘celebrate’. The festival offers an opportunity to join in, celebrate and support the diversity and the contribution refugees make to Scotland’s cultural life – the food and drink, music and poetry, dance, visual art, language and ideas that refugees bring with them when they begin new lives in Scotland. The events reflect upon the positive variety these contributions make to the community’s we live in.
Scottish Refugee Council’s Arts Officer Suzi Maciver said: “Most refugees arrive in Scotland with little more than the clothes on their backs and the stories and memories in their hearts. In fleeing for their lives, people leave behind their homes, jobs and loved ones.
“But people don’t come here with nothing. They bring skills and talents, songs, stories, recipes and so much more. They become our friends, colleagues and neighbours, and make Scotland a richer and more vibrant place to live.
“Refugee Festival Scotland offers an opportunity for people from different communities in Edinburgh, as well as its other locations in Scotland to come together and learn more about these different backgrounds, individual’s stories and cultures in their area.
“We are proud that Scotland provides a place of safety to men, women and children fleeing terrible situations around the world and think this is something worth celebrating.”
Here are some of the event highlights coming to Edinburgh in the 2015 festival:
FILM
When I saw you
A young Palestinians search for a way out of a refugee camp in Jordan in 1967. This leads him into a group of freedom fighters and a life-changing journey.
Filmhouse, Edinburgh
Sunday 7 June, 3.30-5:30pm. £9.00 full price/ £7.20 concessions
To book visit: filmhousecinema.com / Box Office: 0131 228 2688
Wilaya
A visually stunning drama which offers a fascinating look at the culture of Sahrawi people, a young woman leaves her foster family in Spain and returns to her family at a refugee camp in Wilaya.
The Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh
Wednesday 10 June, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Free
Information contact: info@africa-in-motion.org.uk
THEATRE
A quick decision can be made
A story of detained fast-track procedure.
A new play to understand the absurdity of the system for those claiming asylum in the UK, with the support of the Mary Leishman scholarship and the Adam Smith foundation.
Discover 21, Edinburgh
5-6 June, 7:30pm. £5, ticket available at the door
Bookings: aquickdecisioncanbemade@gmail.com / 07722415057
ART
Refugee Festival Art Exhibition
An exhibition of visual art by multiple artists around the themes of refugees, displacement, diaspora and acceptance.
Forest café, Edinburgh
1-30 June, 10.00am-11.00pm, Free.
MEET-UPS
Refugee Survival Trust Picnic
A chance to meet refugee survival trust volunteers and supporters over a scenic summer picnic. Bring along international snacks.
Arthurs Seat/Holyrood Park
Sunday 7 June, 12.30-3pm, Free.
Follow us on Twitter @ScotRefCouncil and use our festival hashtag #RefugeeFestScot or become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/refugeefestivalscotland
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