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Strength, resilience, and compassion: A special Comic Relief exhibition will tell the personal stories of seven refugees who came here seeking sanctuary from across the globe
Monday 5 June: Comic Relief is excited to present RE-ROOTED – an exhibition curated with celebrated Syrian and BAFTA award winning documentary filmmaker, Hassan Akkad, to share a surprising and moving insight into the stories of seven refugees from across the globe who came here seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.
Through a collection of illuminating interviews, photography, and short film, visitors will learn the reasons why each of the contributors had to leave their homes behind. From Afghanistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Syria, and El Salvador, the series showcases the extraordinary journeys they have been on and explores how they have rebuilt their lives in the UK whilst pursuing passions such as law, fashion, and theatre. The result is a surprising and moving insight into the strength, support, and sense of humour it takes to make Britain your home.
The free exhibition will open later this month on Wednesday 21 June at the contemporary Gallery@OXO, located in London’s busy South Bank and will run until Sunday 25 June.
RE-ROOTED will feature photography by Amir Mahdavi, who also came to the UK as a refugee, and marks the return of the 25th annual Refugee Week – a global arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. The exhibition hopes to advocate for more understanding and kindness for those who need a safe place to call home.
Hassan Akkad said: “Through the privilege of interviewing our contributors, I've witnessed incredible resilience and courage. Their stories illuminate the universal longing for safety, freedom, and a brighter future. These interviews have shown me the strength of human spirit and the imperative of compassion. May their voices inspire empathy, understanding and meaningful action."
Comic Relief believes everyone should have a safe, secure, and decent place to call home. People who have been forced from their homes should have access to the support they need to start a new life, free from conflict, persecution, or trafficking. Comic Relief is proud to have funded refugee and migrant work for over 25 years, both in the UK and internationally.
For more information about the exhibition visit www.comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
ENDS
RE-ROOTED will display photography by Amir Mahdavi with supporting imagery by Dan Loveday and Honour Burges.
ASSETS AVAILABLE
Portrait and reportage photography on location in the UK – photography by Amir Mahdavi(opens in new window), who also came to the UK as a refugee, and supporting imagery by Dan Loveday and Honour Burges
Case study write ups for each of the contributors – featuring extracts from their interview with Hassan Akkad
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Comic Relief Media Team
media@comicrelief.com(opens in new window)
020 7820 2500 (during office hours, which are 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday)
www.comicrelief.com/media-centre(opens in new window)
Out of hours enquiries: 07984 510 473
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Comic Relief
Comic Relief uses the power of humour and popular culture to engage people to help others and raises money to support organisations working towards a just world free from poverty.
Our mission combines Comic and Relief. We believe that helping others can be easy and fun, even in the face of the challenges we face every day.
Everyone should be able to have a decent standard of living and to live life with dignity and respect – but right now, in the UK and around the world, poverty and injustice restrict too many of us. We know that a better world is possible. We provide funding to fantastic organisations who are closest to the communities who can make change happen. We support work that will help to alleviate poverty’s consequences, tackle related injustices, and address the link between climate change and poverty.
For information about Comic Relief and the work it carries out, please visit www.comicrelief.com(opens in new window) or follow @ComicRelief on social media for the latest content, news and information.
Red Nose Day is an initiative of Comic Relief.
Comic Relief is the operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730).
Oxo Tower Wharf / inspiring creativity
Oxo Tower Wharf is an award-winning mixed-use building, home to a creative community of designer-maker studios and showrooms, gallery and event spaces, shops, and cafes all at the heart of London’s South Bank and Bankside. Right on the riverside, visitors can browse, buy, and commission from independent small businesses ranging from fine jewellery, luxury ceramics to neon lighting, leather goods and much more, in addition to fine dining at the world-famous roof top restaurant. The iconic building with its famous art deco tower is owned and managed by Coin Street, a local social enterprise creating a thriving, diverse, and welcoming place for people to live, work and play. Visit: www.coinstreet.org(opens in new window) | Instagram: @oxotowerwharf(opens in new window)
