The Community Superheroes Behind Derby’s Refugee Week
The names in this blog have been changed to protect the identities of individuals seeking sanctuary.
The theme of Community As A Superpower was central to this year’s Refugee Week celebrations. We wanted to share words from some of Upbeat’s very own community superheroes who showcased their creativity at Hello Derby: A Festival of Welcome at the Museum of Making earlier this month, as part of Refugee Week.
Mohammed is from Yemen. He is passionate about fostering an environment of mutual understanding and respect, both of which were absent in his home country that has been ravaged by civil war and famine for over a decade.
“I wanted to participate in the event because I wanted to share my story, meet new friends, and increase my confidence.” Mohammed shared, “I want to let people and society understand why refugees are here. It’s important to share our culture as well, so that we can understand each other.”
Mohammed led creative activities on a stall, encouraging young families to learn about different flags of the world, and to learn about different cultures as they did so. Next to him, Maya and her sister Carmen, who both fled gang violence in El Salvador, led children and families in making beautiful air-dry clay keyrings—each one representing a different animal from around the world.
Carmen shared, “After a long, difficult story, Derby for me is the place I can now call home and connect with friends and neighbours. It is very important, being able to share my story, so that people know a little of who I am.
Refugees are ordinary people, all workers with talents and skills that we are happy to share with everyone. Sometimes the best way to connect with people is through art or food. I shared these things with a lot of love for my new friends and neighbours.”
“I enjoyed sharing through my painting the beautiful memories of El Salvador. I also enjoyed seeing my son show his talent with the drawing—and how excited he was to teach others!”
Maya added, “It was nice to see how many organizations and people with beautiful hearts come together to support and celebrate a cause. As a refugee, I think it's important to be able to share our stories with others to raise more awareness about our lives in our countries and our difficult experience as asylum seekers. It's also good to share our art and music so people learn more about our cultures and gain insight into our customs and traditions.”
Rahwa found community through Upbeat when she was at her most isolated and depressed. But she found the event a remarkable way to connect with others and showcase her own artwork, painted as an expression of her own experiences seeking sanctuary.
Rahwa shared, “Cultural exchange was at the heart of the festival. Through traditional dances, music performances, and delicious food, we were transported to different corners of the globe. It was amazing to learn new languages and customs, broadening our perspectives and fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity. This festival wasn’t just about awareness; it was about active participation. By engaging in various activities, we became part of a collective effort to support our refugee friends. I found joy in collaborating with others, sharing our experiences, and learning from one another.
In these moments, I realised that being part of a community means more than just co-existing; it’s about uplifting each other, embracing our differences, and learning from the rich tapestry of cultures that surround us. The Hello Derby Festival has left an indelible mark on my heart, inspiring me to continue advocating for empathy and cooperation within our society.”
Badriya and her husband Asim displayed her beautiful homemade ceramic vases and ornaments. Badriya said that she hopes one day to open her own online shop so that many others can buy and appreciate her art.
She and her husband fled the abhorrent civil war in Sudan hoping for a better future for their baby. Alongside them, Imran (from Iraq) wrote beautiful calligraphy so that visitors to the museum could see their names written in Arabic script.
Each of these individuals has their own story of seeking sanctuary. Each has been supported and empowered by Upbeat. Each is a superhero in our community: someone who brings unique skills, talent, and ideas, and is passionate about sharing these gifts for the good of those around them.
Every year, Refugee Week aims to celebrate individuals who have fled their countries in unimaginable circumstances, and are looking to the future with hope and resilience.
Alongside these amazing contributions, Upbeat ran a collaborative project with renowned photographer Nick Lockett, who captured impactful stories that told each person’s journey to the UK, often in horrifying circumstances, and the new hope they have found as they have integrated into community here. We’ll soon be publishing this exhibition online so you can read the stories yourself. Keep an eye out!
Want to keep updated about opportunities to celebrate refugee art and culture? Sign up to our mailing list below: