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THEMUSEUM Hosts 6th Annual Refugee Art Show

Kitchener, Ontario –

Exhibition Showcases Over 75 Pieces of Work in Recognition of World Refugee Day

For the sixth consecutive year, THEMUSEUM has curated and is displaying art created by newcomers, refugees and those fleeing persecution. The theme this year is “Becoming Neighbours” and features submissions by 16 independent artists as well as students (Kindergarten through Grade 7) from Empire Public School.

The Refugee Art Show is presented in partnership with the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigration Concerns (CCORIC), a local group that leads the World Refugee Day efforts in Waterloo Region. THEMUSEUM is proud to showcase an exhibition that speaks to the mandate of the organization: to include diverse voices, provide a community stage and acknowledge and celebrate those who provide welcome and refuge.

The public is welcome to view the exhibition in the community gallery space, located on THEMUSEUM’s third floor. It will run through World Refugee Day on Wednesday June 20, welcome 600 students from Empire Public School on Friday, June 22 and closes Sunday, June 24.

“The scope, calibre and involvement of the artists this year is really special,” says Laurel McKellar, Senior Director, Curation, Exhibitions & Program Development. “We have pieces from The Great Canadian Family Portrait which shows newly arrived government assisted refugees in their new homes and what or who they have had to leave behind. This project is by photographer Brian Limoyo and is in partnership with Reception House.”

Submissions range from a shelter built out of discarded life jackets – collected in Greece – by artist Achilleas Souras, to colourful feathers that represents freedom and hope. The show also includes works from Women’s Journey, a collaborative project between the Arab Women of Waterloo Region and local artists.

For more information on World Refugee Day Waterloo Region and upcoming local events, please visit http://worldrefugeedaywr.com/