By Jacqueline Grima
As a response to the recent First World War Centenary commemorations, The Portico library in Mosely Street, Manchester has recently collaborated with artist and illustrator, Dai Owen, on a project entitled Sanctuary Seekers. The project forms part of the library’s larger Conflict and Community project, supported by the Zochonis Charitable Trust, and aims to highlight the impact of conflict on the lives of refugees in Britain.
Dai began the project by speaking with refugees in and around Manchester with the help of a group called United for Change. Dai asked the refugees about their experiences of having fled conflict in their home countries and refuge in the UK. After listening to the refugees’ stories, Dai then turned them into illustrated posters which show the many challenges that asylum seekers face, firstly in their own countries and then in Britain.
For example, one poster shows how a family of refugees were targeted and threatened after forming friendships with gay people in their home country, with the police apparently too scared to protect them from violence. Another illustration shows how the same family were interviewed for seven hours upon their arrival in the UK and how their plea for asylum was eventually refused in court.
Dai’s second poster tells how one refugee from Cameroon was beaten by the authorities in a bid to make him sell his land and, after seeking refuge in the UK twelve years ago, is now facing having to apply for asylum again. It also shows how another refugee was forced to flee his country after attempting to put a halt to corruption in a political vote.
Events and Outreach Co-ordinator at The Portico, Aoife Larkin, told Humanity Hallows, “As part of our reflections on this world changing event, The Portico wanted to take an international perspective that considered the movement of people as a result of conflict. Dai’s depictions offer a wonderfully informative and engaging resource which we hope can be used as widely as possible.”
She added, “Considering the high-profile mass-migration of people in recent times we hope that these posters will help to convey some of the real consequences of having to flee from violence and pick up your life in a new country.”
Dai’s posters can be downloaded for free from The Portico website and can be used as teaching and learning resources.
Featured image: Aaron Shaw ‘Is This Thing On?’ is a unique debut show, a product of the creative collaboration between Ellie Campbell, Megan Keaveney (MissMatch), and the So La Flair theatre company. Following its debut appearance at Contact Theatre, the show promises to be a memorable experience for those attending the tour across Wigan, Leeds,…
Featured image: aAh! In each print issue, aAh! Magazine explores one word which runs as its theme. Next up is The FRESHERS Issue 24/25. aAh! Magazine invites all Manchester Met students interested in journalism, writing, photography and design to pitch ideas to be considered for print publication for the upcoming issue: The FRESHERS Issue 24/25….
Featured image: Seagoth “This album is dedicated to all of the people who can’t take a day off from themselves, to the people who have to face their greatest fears every single day – and to all the pain we feel, may we heal”. – Seagoth on How to Stay Wide Awake. While studying music…
Featured image: So La Flair Theatre Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney graduated last year from Manchester Theatre School. The pair met at a house party in their first year, where Ellie was standing on a table singing her heart out to Florence and the Machine. Megan locked eyes with her and knew they would be…
Leave a reply