The Refugee Buddy project is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Small Project Grant from Arts Council England to support Refugee Week 2024.

This year Refugee Week will take place from 17th – 23rd June when hundreds of large and small national and international events will be held, initiated by Counterpoints Arts. The theme is Our Home: From the places we gather to share meals to our collective home, earth. We are looking forward to working with local artists and partners to celebrate our home here in Hastings and St Leonards, making it a welcoming, safe and sustainable place for all.

With this funding we will produce an inclusive public arts programme and build on the creative relationships we have developed across our community over the past few years, ensuring Refugee Week becomes an anticipated annual celebration, promoting a culture of welcome. Thanks to this funding, our programme of activities will involve commissioning new artists and working collaboratively with new partners in Bexhill and Rye. And we will continue to build on our valued partnerships holding events at the De La Warr Pavilion and the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.

There are opportunities for artists, local businesses and individuals and community groups to get involved and we will be releasing more information over the coming weeks so please keep an eye on our website and social media. You can also contact the Project Manager Rebecca Sinker directly to register your interest: Rebecca@therefugeebuddyproject.org

“We are really excited that we can continue the great success of the 2023 Refugee Week of compassion, kindness and creativity which brought together people from across the community in a warm celebration. Refugee Week 2024 will be a chance to showcase the best of our home so get involved and help us create a community welcome” – Rossana Leal, Founder and CEO, The Refugee Buddy Project.