Portsmouth’s Refugee Week 2024 calls for us to reflect on what home means to all of us- from the places we gather to share meals to our collective home, planet Earth.
Arts collective 432 Nomads has teamed up with Portsmouth City of Sanctuary to showcase a vibrant programme of events and activities to celebrate Refugee Week. Festivities kick off with the Refugee Week launch on Monday 17th June at 6.45pm at Portsmouth Cathedral. The evening offers engaging performances, celebrations and delicious refreshments prepared by the Kitchen of Hope.
Refugee Week
Refugee Week takes place June 17th-23rd and serves as a platform for the world’s largest arts and culture festival. Established in 1998 in the UK, the initiative has evolved into an international movement which recognises the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Organisers in Portsmouth hope to bring people together from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels, fostering a deeper understanding of why people are displaced and the challenges they face.
Our Home
For 2024, Refugee Week’s global theme, “Our Home,” will be expressed through a variety of exciting mediums including dance, music, film and spoken word performance. Local residents, migrant artists and Portsmouth school children invite us to explore the beauty and strength found in our shared experiences through a rich lineup of captivating cultural events.
Throughout the week, these thought-provoking conversations will be held at various locations and immersive spaces across the city, including The Canteen, Hunter Gatherer, Portsmouth Central Library, Coastguard Studio, The Royal Albert, and Southsea Common, culminating in a grand closing event at The Aspex Gallery on June 23.
The Founders
Alongside business partner Rishky Patel, Majid Dhana is one of the founders of 432 Nomads, a Portsmouth-based organisation established in 2022 that champions diversity through activities which raise awareness and curiosity about other cultures and identities. Hailing from Portsmouth, although originally from Zimbabwe, Majid uses his spoken word poetry under the guise of ‘JidosReality’ to act as a luminary. His art provides an impassioned platform for refugees and asylum seekers, addressing issues of migration, homelessness and displacement.
Majid is thrilled to be collaborating with Portsmouth City of Sanctuary on the project: “Refugee Week highlights personal journeys and triumphs, encapsulated in the poignant declaration: “Momma we made it; we have found home.” This statement reflects the profound relief and joy experienced by refugees who have found safety and acceptance in Portsmouth, emphasising the city’s role as a sanctuary and a new beginning for those in need.”
5th Anniversary of Portsmouth City of Sanctuary
This year marks the 5th Anniversary of the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, a charity which offers safety to anyone fleeing violence and persecution. As well as offering help with orientation paperwork, immigration advice and baby provisions, the project supports survivors of trafficking and women working in the sex industry.
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary has recently won the Hampshire High Sheriff Award for outstanding support of refugees and asylum seekers. This accolade, received by Trustees Denise Callender, David Handley, and Patience Mutunami, underscores the dedication of staff, volunteers, and supporting organisations. Their efforts have gone above and beyond to ensure Portsmouth is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Special Family Event
On Saturday 22nd June a special family event is planned on Southsea Common in a celebration of unity, peace and mutual respect. The team behind 432 Nomads call upon us to enjoy the vibrant blend of cultures through poets, acoustic musicians, rappers, street dancers, storytellers, singers, and small bands. “As you indulge your senses in the artistic atmosphere, relish a diverse selection of food provided by Kitchen of Hope. With a little bit of something for everyone, this event promises to be a delightful celebration, uniting us all under the theme of “Our Home.” Let the Common set the stage for cherished memories and community connection.”
Refugee Week Runs 17th-23rd June
17 June, 6.45pm, Refugee Week Launch night, Portsmouth Cathedral
Tue 18 June, 7pm, The Canteen – Poetry & Acoustic, The Canteen
Wed 19 June, 4pm, Traditional Music, Portsmouth Central Library
Wed 19 June, 7pm, A night of Rhythm and Poetry, Coastguard Studio
Thu 20 June, 12pm, Friends Without Borders/KoH BBQ, All Saints Church
Thu 20 June, 7pm, RAP, Acoustic, Royal Albert Pub, Southsea
Fri 21 June, 7pm, Poetry, Acoustic & Traditional music, Hunter Gatherer Café
Sat 22 June, 11am, Variety of arts culture, Southsea Common
Sun 23 June, 12pm, Refugee Week Closing Event, Aspex Gallery
To secure your place, book via this Eventbrite link
By Caroline Brennan
