Refugees' Voices: Past and Present

Stories from refugees in Leeds have been amplified in an exhibition curated by undergraduate students.

A group of seven students have worked with Dr Laura King (School of History) and the charity RETAS Leeds (Refugee Education Training Advice Service) to explore the histories of refugees in Leeds.

They have collaborated with playwright Chris O’Connor, Madeleine Thorne from Opera North and established refugee artists including Mohammad Barrangi and Bryan Mucheriwa. The output of this work now forms the basis of an exhibition at Leeds Central Library which is open to the public from 12 June.

"Our exhibition celebrates the voices of current refugees in Leeds, while recounting some of those from the past," explains International History and Politics student Olivia Fletcher.

"It will showcase the fruits of free creative workshops held earlier in the year, which allowed members of Leeds’ refugee community to participate and share their stories. Also on show will be artwork from the established artists who gave their time so generously to the project."

The students will also hold a Meet the Curators night on Tuesday 18 June, involving many of their collaborators on the project. There will be speeches, live music, refreshments and craft beer from Leeds’ North Brewing Co. Tickets for the 5-7pm event at Leeds Central Library are £3, with proceeds going to RETAS.

Location

Leeds Central Library
Calverley St
Leeds
LS1 3AB