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Welcome to 'My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope'.

Every year, tens of thousands of people from around the world travel to the UK to seek asylum. They might be escaping persecution, fleeing conflict, or reuniting with family members that have also made the difficult decision to leave their home countries.

After arriving in the UK they are placed in temporary accommodation while awaiting a decision from the Home Office on their asylum application. This exhibition celebrates the unique stories of twelve of these people, currently residing in temporary accommodation in and around London.

You will see artistic reflections from a range of ages, backgrounds and perspectives. Through their work, these artists bring to life the realities of those aiming to make their homes here, often in the face of extraordinary personal struggle and adversity.

The exhibition features an eclectic mix of art work, ranging from vibrant paintings and intricate drawings, to expressive embroidery and innovative craft work. Together, they represent a colourful tapestry of culture, identity and creativity.

We invite visitors to engage with the artwork and gain insights into the memories, challenges and hopes of the artists.

Art Exhibition

Location

Westminster Reference Library 35 St Martin's St, London WC2H 7HP

Exhibition Date

9 Dec 2024 to 20 Dec 2024

Open Hours

10 am-8 pm Mon-Fri
10 am-5 pm Sat

“My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope”

It is more than just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.

By sharing these powerful stories, we aim to build bridges of understanding and support, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Open Hours
Daily 9.30 am–6.00 pm
Location
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Art Exhibition

SBHL Create Presents

“My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope” an art exhibition dedicated to showcasing the powerful narratives of Asylum seekers who have sought refuge in the UK and are currently residing in temporary accommodation across the country.

The exhibition will feature an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from vibrant paintings and intricate drawings to expressive and innovative craftwork. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to engage with the artists, and gain insight into their unique experiences, challenges and perspectives.

As the exhibition travels across various communities in the UK, it aims to bridge gaps and foster a deeper understanding between SBHL residents and the local community. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artists, hear their stories, and gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of those seeking asylum.

Throughout November and December 2024, the exhibition will visit a number of Boroughs across London and cities in the south of England, with the aim of creating empathy, building bridges and fostering integration between asylum seekers and local communities.

Video Section

“My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope” is more than just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. By sharing these powerful stories, we aim to build bridges of understanding and support, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Explore Amazing Creativity

Westminster Reference Library Art Exhibition

09 Dec 2024 to 20 Dec 2024

Kensington Library Art Exhibition

7 Jan 2025 to 11 Jan 2025

Hounslow House Art Exhibition

16 Jan 2025 to 21 Jan 2025

The SBHL Create Exhibition will feature an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from vibrant paintings and intricate drawings to expressive textiles and innovative craftwork. Each piece is a testament to the unique perspectives and experiences of the artists, many of whom are asylum seekers striving to build new lives in the UK.

Art overview

The Exhibition will feature an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from vibrant paintings and intricate drawings to expressive textiles and innovative craftwork. Each piece is a testament to the unique perspectives and experiences of the artists, many of whom are asylum seekers striving to build new lives in the UK.

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Meet the Artists

This exhibition recognises that creativity is an important part of a person’s ability to express themselves, their culture and their identity, while recognising the therapeutic potential of the creative process.

For the artists, who come from a diverse range of backgrounds, the exhibition serves as a platform to use their creative talents to reflect on and process their experiences, to share their personal stories with the world, and to be a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

Artist 1

Artist 1

Artist 2

Artist 2

Artist 3

Artist 3

The aim of the exhibition is to create a deeper understanding of some of the reasons why people want to seek a new life in the UK, whether that be to escape persecution, to reconnect with family or to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Project Partners

The Exhibition has been sponsored by SBHL, a provider of temporary accommodation for asylum seekers in the UK. It is organised with the support of Never Such Innocence and Immigrant Rise.