image: Raph Achache
In a time when tabloid newspapers are using the current refugee crisis as a means to push their Brexit campaigns, and perpetuate propagandist rhetoric that describes refugee and asylum seekers as economic migrants, an event that seeks to educate people on such an accessible level can only be a good thing. Something that Roger Bromley is keen to emphasise. “By chance, the EU referendum falls in Refugee Week and this will give us a chance to make it absolutely clear that asylum seekers and refugees are people who are fleeing persecution, war, and oppression, as defined by the 1951 Geneva Convention and are not 'economic' migrants or to be confused with EU migrants.”
“'Asylum' is a place of safety, a haven or sanctuary for those whose own homes have become too dangerous for them to remain. Nottingham has a long, and distinguished, history of offering individuals and families a place where they no longer have to live in fear for their lives.”
A proper melting pot of events will be taking place during the week, hosted by numerous venues across the city, all donating their services and space for free. “Refugee Week is a lot bigger this year,” says Roger, “and for the first time, we have all the major arts venues on side.” Roger is keen to point out that the entire event is made possible by the hard work and dedication of volunteers, the generosity of some of our best loved venues, and the collaboration of some of Notts’ finest creatives. Following a large funding cut, the whole week has been funded using a float carried over from last years’ event, alongside generous donations from a whole host of local organisations. All in all, a lot of hard work from a lot of fine Nottingham citizens, who Roger thanks continuously throughout our conversation.
Events include a devised theatre production created by NCN students, #RefugeesWelcome, created as a response to the media frenzy that has surrounded the current refugee crisis, a debate surrounding the topic of ‘Muslim refugees in Europe’ held in association with local charity, Himmah, and an almighty kick off with music from the likes of Wariko, Iranian British fusion band, Arian Band, and a huge array of international foods for sampling. “The emphasis here is on local talent”, says Roger. Seeing as the week coincides with Ramadan this year, all efforts are being made to provide food at sunset for those who are practising.
Roger believes film to be the most effective means of communicating the stories of refugee and asylum seekers to the general public. One film he’s keen to highlight is Memories on Stone, which replaces Letter to the King in the printed Refugee Week brochure – a film that explores the 1988 genocide of Kurdish people in Iraq. Nottinghamshire has an estimated population of 4,000 Kurdish people, making this film an extremely relevant contribution to the week.
Money raised through donation buckets and various events during the week will be donated entirely to local charities for refugee and asylum seekers, but there are plenty of ways you can get stuck in and help out outside of the organised events. You can donate food and money, and volunteer your services any day of the week, but Roger has an important suggestion that should be the norm for everyone, but in case you need reminding, “More importantly, they can ensure that their neighbourhoods are warm and welcoming places for refugees, and that schools, clubs organisations and places of worship enable refugees to feel a sense of belonging. In the words of the sixties song, beautifully rendered by Joan Baez, ‘And there but for fortune, may go you or I.’”
Friday 17 June
World Food Night courtesy of the Arimathea Trust.
Enjoy homemade food from around the world, with takeaway options available for those practising Ramadan.
7pm, free, All Souls Community Centre, Ilkeston Road
Saturday 18 June
Official Launch. With a DJ, live music, guest speakers and international food tasting.
1pm, free, Nottingham Contemporary
Sunday 19 June
Film: Journey into Europe and debate, ‘Muslim Refugees in Europe’
6.30pm, free, Refugee Forum, 33a Hungerhill Road
Monday 20 June
Film: Hope, 2015, France. Not suitable for persons under 15 years of age.
6pm, free for refugees, Broadway Cinema
Public Meeting with Amy Manktelow, Nottingham Trent University – ‘The current political landscape and the refugee ‘crisis’: a commentary from the Left’. With informal world food buffet.
7pm, £5 with all proceeds donated to the Women’s Cultural Exchange, Five Leaves Bookshop
Tuesday 21 June
Live at Lunch – World Music concert with Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
1pm, free, Theatre Royal
Theatre: #RefugeesWelcome, a devised performance concentrating on the narrative of the refugee crisis in the media.
8pm, free but booking is required, Nottingham Playhouse
Wednesday 22 June
Film: The Shelter (L’Abri), 2014, Switzerland. Not suitable for persons under 15 years of age.
6.30pm, free, Nottingham Contemporary
Words Apart: Can we build bridges across language?
7pm, free but booking is essential, International Community Centre, Mansfield Road
Film: Seven Days in Syria, 2015, Syria/USA. Not suitable for persons under 15 years of age.
8.30pm, free for refugees, Broadway Cinema
Thursday 23 June
RefuTea: A Simple Act of Kindness. Women only event.
10am, free, Nottingham Women’s Centre, 30 Chaucer Street
Film: When I Saw You, 2015, Palestine. Not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.
6.30pm, free, Central Library, Angel Row
Film: Memories of Stone, 2015, Iraq/Germany. Not suitable for persons under 15 years of age.
8.30pm, free, Broadway Cinema
Friday 24 June
Film: Queens of Syria, 2014, Jordan. Not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.
Round table discussion with two Syrian speakers and Dr Agnes Woolley from University of London, and Emeritus Professor Roger Bromley from University of Nottingham.
7pm, free but booking is required, New Art Exchange
Saturday 25 June
World music night and benefit for refugee charities.
8pm, free, Nottingham Contemporary
Monday 27 June
Film: Hidden Stories and public meeting with Morton Hall Detainee Visitors’ group, with food and music.
6pm, free, NNRF, The Sycamore Centre, 33 Hungerhill Road
From 2 – 30 June
Art exhibition: The Stateless Present
Free, Central Library, Angel Row
From 20 – 24 June
Film: Grant Me Safety
Various times, free with a recommended donation, booking is required, Theatre Royal and Concert Hall
Throughout the week Anti-Migration Stigma sessions will be held in Nottinghamshire primary schools, courtesy of the British Red Cross.
Refugee Week 2016 runs from 17 - 27 June at various locations across the city.
Refugee Week website
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