Media release – MRC Tasmania & City of Hobart, 20 June 2023
MRC Tas and City of Hobart present exhibition celebrating refugee art
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, in partnership with the City of Hobart, is pleased to present an exhibition of artworks by clients and staff from refugee backgrounds to mark Refugee Week 2023.
The exhibition will open on June 20, World Refugee Day, from 4:30-6:30pm at the Waterside Pavilion.
This special evening will present artwork and expressions of culture from Tasmanians from refugee backgrounds, both those who have recently arrived and those who have lived here for some time.
Over the last year, conflict across the globe has resulted in a drastic increase in the number of people who have had to fee their homeland in search of safety.
Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania works with humanitarian arrivals throughout the State to ensure they feel welcome and included, and have access to the resources and services needed to settle into their new home in Tasmania.
“The process of fleeing one’s home and resettling in a new country is traumatic. Evidence shows that art can play an important role in healing from refugee trauma,” said MRC Tas CEO Dr Gillian Long.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the artwork was a wonderful reflection of the creativity that diversity can bring to the City.
“Hobart’s status as an official Welcoming City is a badge we wear with honour,” Cr Reynolds said.
“We also believe the capital is a home for art, so to combine the two can only be of benefit to our community.
“The theme ‘Finding Freedom’ will make some reflect on the sometimes-difficult path to come to Hobart, but also look forward to a future as part of our city.”
In the lead up to the event, the MRC Tas Multicultural Learning Centre has hosted a series of art workshops with clients from refugee backgrounds.
“These activities provide a much-needed break from the challenges they face while adjusting to a new environment, learning English, finding jobs, and settling in,” said Mae Shell De Sesto, Manager of Community Programs and the Learning Centre.
The workshops provide a space where clients come together to express themselves, connect with others and relax in a supportive environment where everyone can find solace and a sense of belonging.
“Through art, we bring together their journey of survival, language learning, employment, education, and integration, creating a space that embodies strength and unity,” said De Sesto.
Afghan artist Sakina Parsa arrived in Australia in April 2022.
Her work explores the transformative power of artistic expression for wellbeing and emotional healing.
“I hope my artwork serves as an invitation to connect viewers with themselves and others on a deeper level, said Parsa.
“I aim to create a space for viewers to question, reflect, and examine the complexities of our shared humanity.”
Together with the art exhibition opening, there will be a series of performances, from singing to dance.
A media launch will be held at 10am on Tuesday June 20 (World Refugee Day) at the Waterside Pavilion, with the official event to be held at the same venue from 4.30-6.30pm with official proceedings beginning at 5pm.
The show will be opened with speeches from Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, MRC Tas Board Chair the Hon Peter Gutwein, and Bhutanese Community Leader Ganga Mishra.
