06/06/05
JRS Malta: Call to artists to celebrate World Refugee Day through art!

Artists are being called upon to join in a celebration marking World Refugee Day to be held on Saturday, June 18 in the locality of Balzan.

The event is being organised by the Emigrant's Commission, the Jesuit Refugee Service, Malta (JRS) and Moviment Graffitti with the collaboration of other NGOs from the local and international field and under the patronage of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This year, the theme chosen internationally by UNHCR is that of courage. World Refugee Day 2005 (precisely on June 20) will be marking the courage these people call upon while trying to survive in their war-torn countries, or countries run by dictators in such a manner that there is anarchy in the streets, with nothing left to eat, with people disappearing on a daily basis, tortured, killed or simply missing.

World Refugee Day will recall the immense courage that makes them pack up their belongings and set off on a journey that will forever mark their lives. A journey that takes them through mountains, across the sand dunes of the Sahara, onto a rickety boat that sometimes manages to make it across the Mediterranean. The courage that allows them to then endure more months of hardship, at times years, as they are closed up in detention centres locally while awaiting the outcome of their asylum request.

Let us celebrate the courage of the world's refugees, people who have been forced to abandon home and family but whose dignity has never left them!

On Saturday, June 18 refugees will be cooking and serving food, playing their music, sharing their experiences and displaying their products (such as bags and hats made while they are held in detention). An information stand will be set-up with relevant posters and documentation while a main-stage will host various performances of musicians, dancers and actors from within the Maltese and refugee communities.

All artists are being called upon to attend the event and actively take part by performing their art in the main square, be it painting, sculpture, photography, installations, all are welcome to come and celebrate with us and be inspired by this joyous occasion.

Artists interested in participating are kindly asked to contact Marija Schranz, JRS project coordinator, on 21-227521 or 7906-2028. Alternatively, please send an email to marija@jrsmalta.org

World Refugee Day Celebration is being organised jointly by JRS, the Emigrant's Commission and Moviment Graffitti. It is endorsed by UNHCR.