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World Refugee Day Waterloo Region

THEMUSEUM 9th Year in Support, offering Free Exhibition

KITCHENER, ON | May 30, 2023 — THEMUSEUM and the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns (CCORIC) are partnering again this year for the “Becoming Neighbours” World Refugee Day Waterloo Region Community Launch and Awards Event.

The free opening event will take place at THEMUSEUM on June 4 and will include a first-of-its-kind cultural presentation by The Rohingya Centre of Canada, the World Refugee Day Awards of Distinction presentation, and refreshments.

“CCORIC is delighted to partner again this year with THEMUSEUM to kick off World Refugee Day Waterloo Region to reflect and recognize the incredible resilience, strength, and positive contributions refugees make to our world and especially our local community,” says Mary Lou Roe, Chair, CCORIC.

Event attendees will also have a first look at THEMUSEUM’s new free exhibition that include three unique artworks:  

Bloody Boats by Akshata Naik, an art installation about deconstructing and dismantling the symbol of the traumatic journey that immigrants experience.

Giver of Gifts by Abiola Idowu, an artwork painted on a blanket Abiola received as a gift when he arrived in Canada from Nigeria.  Abiola says “The painting is so special to me because it is a symbol of the generosity and caring that I experienced when I came newly to Canada”.

Arrival by Euan Gray, a socially conscious board game conceived as a painless way for the non-migrant majority to experience the frustrations of migrants trying to reach their destination and the inequalities many face.

“We are so pleased to bring these three distinct works together in one showcase”, says Laurel McKellar, Senior Director, Curation & Program Development at THEMUSEUM, “art is such a powerful way to express oneself and also connect with others, these works provide a view into the immigrant and refugee experience”. 

The free exhibition will be accessible to until July 2, 2023, during THEMUSEUM’s regular hours of operations which can be found on the website.