Events to take place throughout Newcastle and Gateshead to mark Refugee Week 2023
The Millennium Bridge will be lit in orange
Last updated 16th Jun 2023
The Millennium bridge will be lit in orange next week, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Refugee Week, which is being marked throughout Newcastle and Gateshead.
The colour represents compassion for people fleeing war and persecution and is inspired by the refugee nation flag, and the colour of a life jacket.
Events will be taking place throughout Newcastle and Gateshead from the 19th of June, with this year's theme of "compassion".
Newcastle is a city of Sanctuary - and organisers are determined to show the region is a welcoming and safe place for people fleeing persecution and danger.
Newcastle is a city of Sanctuary - to show the region is a welcoming and safe place for people fleeing persecution
The events including things like performances, yoga, games and the return of storytelling in the pop-up colourful caravan with Curious Monkey Theatre Group |newtab) - who are an Arts Organisation of Sanctury - at the Magic Hat Café, a series of exhibitions and workshops at Baltic - which is recognised Gallery of Sanctuary, and Tyne and Wear Museums, and more.
Amy Golding – Curious Monkey said:
“Compassion is more than just empathy and caring about people it’s about taking action. I believe action is fuelled by empathy and theatre is a powerful tool in creating moments of empathy through sharing stories.
"In that moment of sharing a live experience together I hope that people feel compelled to do something positive to help welcome and bring joy and support to those having to rebuild their lives.
"For me that is what Refugee Week is all about as well as celebrating the brilliant talents and skills of the refugee and asylum seeking communities we are lucky to have in the UK.
"We are delighted to be sharing some exciting live experiences in our curious caravan and with our “meal performances” - at magic hat cafe where you can have a delicious dinner with some of our Arriving group members and experience an immersive performance throughout the meal.”
Nafis – a member of the Curious Monkey’s Arriving group said:
“Since I found out that Curious Monkey is going to participate in the Refugee Week I thought I’d give all I can to help it to happen, because I also came from far away a few years ago to be safe here.
"I really wish I had known about Curious Monkey when I arrived here. I’m trying my best to attend every session to help make a little change and support the people who are new here to have better experiences and assure them that they are not alone.
"I feel so positive to be involved with the events that may improve the quality of life for all refugees.”
Sadia Sikhandar, Newcastle Artist and Campaigner said:
“For me compassion means to contribute and work hard to help my community and organisations around the UK to work together to make the system better for future asylum seekers. Compassion comes in all sizes and we can play our part in standing against hate and fear.”
So what's on here:
Workshops and Events
Multaka Presents
Great North Museum
Monday 19 June, 13:30 – 15:30
Free entry. Just turn up
The Multaka volunteering team will share their highlights of the Great North Museum in multiple languages. You can explore the museum with tours and activities created by Multaka volunteers.
Academic Conference – ‘Refugees and asylum-seekers in/and the media’
Newcastle University Armstrong Building
Tuesday 20 June, 09:00 – 17:00
Free entry. Email m.s.heslop2@ncl.ac.uk to book. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
There are several free places at this academic conference for sanctuary seekers and people with refugee status. Please contact m.s.heslop2@ncl.ac.uk for more information.
Positive Post
Laing Art Gallery
Tuesday 20 June, 11:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided
Work with artist Mani Kambo to create simple block-printed cards inspired by the artworks in the gallery. We will write positive messages inside the cards to give to our loved ones. You can also create a plaited friendship bracelet.
Curious Caravan & Games
Magic Hat Café (outside)
Tuesday 20 June, 11:00 – 17:00
Free entry. Just turn up
Come and hear some stories, share tea and cake inside Curious Monkey's colourful caravan and take part in a variety of games with West End Refugee Service (WERS).
Let’s Talk Conversation Class
Reviving the Heart of the West End
Tuesday 20 June, 12:00 – 14:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided
This conversation class will help increase your confidence in spoken English. The class has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Sharing of Work by Curious Monkey’s ‘Arriving’ Performance Group
Magic Hat Café
Tuesday 20 June, 17:00 – 18:00 and 19:30 – 20:30
Free entry. Text or WhatsApp Felour to book: 07497221708
For some of us, Newcastle has been home for twenty years. For some of us, Newcastle has been home for twenty weeks. Join us for free food, music and words that celebrate our new sense of belonging. Suitable for adults and young people aged 14+.
How We Make Things
Shipley Art Gallery
Wednesday 21 June, 13:00 – 16:00
Free entry. Just turn up
Come along to the Shipley and learn how people from different cultures make and craft the same objects and share your own crafting skills. Bring your own craft materials and learn and create with others in a friendly environment.
Theatre Workshop
Newcastle University Armstrong Building (Room 3.38)
Wednesday 21 June, 13:30 – 16:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Families can enjoy a theatre workshop with Ali Ghaderi of Babylon Theatre. Part of Sanctuary Songs Arts Festival at Newcastle University.
Zine-making Workshop
Hatton Gallery (Learning Space)
Wednesday 21 June, 14:00 – 16:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Make your own zine on the theme of compassion in this collaborative workshop with artist Theresa Easton. Part of Sanctuary Songs Arts Festival at Newcastle University.
Circus Skills Workshop
Newcastle University Boiler House
Thursday 22 June, 10:00 – 12:00
Free entry. Email m.s.heslop2@ncl.ac.uk to book. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Families can enjoy learning circus skills in this workshop with N.E.S.T. Part of Sanctuary Songs Arts Festival at Newcastle University.
Welcome to Newcastle
DiverCity Hub
Thursday 22 June, 10:30 – 12:30 and 17:30 – 19:30
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Join us to talk about the City of Newcastle through various objects. We’ll discover our shared history and the heritage of Newcastle.
Wellbeing Workshop for Women
Laing Art Gallery
Thursday 22 June, 11:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:30
Free entry. Women only. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided
Curious Monkey's women's group will share some of the wellbeing activities they have been doing together. You can expect relaxing music, dancing, gentle yoga, breathing and meditation.
Refugee Week Celebration
Action Foundation (Turbine Hall)
Thursday 22 June, 12:00 onwards
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided
Action Foundation supports refugees and asylum seekers experiencing isolation in Tyne and Wear. Join us to celebrate Refugee Week. We will make food and invite volunteers and clients to dance and play music.
Art Workshop
Hatton Gallery (Learning Space)
Friday 23 June, 10:30 – 15:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Families can enjoy this drop-in art workshop with artist Katie Cuddon. Part of Sanctuary Songs Arts Festival at Newcastle University.
World Writes Creative Writing Workshop
Newcastle Deaf Centre
Saturday 24 June, 10:00 – 13:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Local public transport tickets refunded
World Writes – with New Writing North – is a free multilingual English language creative writing group for adults who speak English as a second, or other language (ESOL). World Writes encourages and supports members to think and write creatively whilst developing their English language skills. No experience necessary.
Monster Stories
Great North Museum
Saturday 24 June, 10:00 – 14:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Local public transport tickets refunded
Learn about the Lambton Worm, a local fairytale monster from County Durham. Make your own worm in cardboard to take home with you. You can also visit the new exhibition, ‘Myth Quest: Monsters and Mortals’.
Welcome to your Libraries
Newcastle City Library (Bewick Hall)
Saturday 24 June, 13:00 – 15:00
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided
Discover what the library has for you. We will have books, games and simple crafts. We will also host a special Teddy Bears’ picnic to introduce families to this fun tradition.
Creative Activities and Workshops
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June, 11:00 – 15:00 both days
Free entry. Just turn up. Free refreshments provided. Local public transport tickets refunded
Join the team at Baltic for two afternoons of yoga, paper crafts, hand massages and more!
Exhibitions
Future Pasts, Henna Asikainen
Northumbria University Gallery North
16 June – 7 July. Open 12:00 – 16:00 Thursday and Friday. Open 10:00 – 14:00 Saturday. Closed Sunday – Wednesday
Free entry. Just turn up
Future Pasts is Henna Asikainen’s latest commission with D6: Culture in Transit. The project invited people with lived experience of migration to explore local landscapes along Hadrian’s Wall. Henna and participants documented the walks with photos, poetry and a performative protest.
NE RISE Pop-up Exhibition
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
21-25 June, 10:00 – 18:00
Free entry. Just turn up
The North East Refugee Integration Support and Employment (NE RISE) service helps refugees and their families build the foundations for a happy life in the region. This exhibition at Baltic features works from clients on the NE RISE programme.
Visual Arts Exhibitions
Hatton Gallery (Long Gallery and Atrium)
23-25 June, 10:00 – 17:00
Free entry. Just turn up
Enjoy a range of work created by and with refugees and asylum seekers. Exhibitions include Underneath, Within, Beyond and Where Do You Sit? There is also a sound installation in the red brick arches next to Hatton Gallery.
You can find out more about Curious Monkey Theatre |newtab)here, and information about their shows online.