Cross Borders (Scottish Refugee Council) is hosting a creative symposium focused on the principles of care-taking and hospitality in arts and social practice. This gathering marks the launch of Where We Meet, a new good practice resource for and by artists with lived experience of displacement and the organisations they/ we work with.

This event is for artists, cultural workers and organisations. Join us for a day-long gathering, where we will create a space for creative engagement with the resource and explore the values, complexities, and tensions inherent in our collaborations.

The symposium will present key sections of the new resource including - working with lived experience, advocacy and freedom of expression, navigating language and developing spaces of connection. Hosted by co-authors and researchers Mia Gubbay, Soizig Carey and Beulah Ezeugo. With contributing artists Paria Goodarzi, Amak Mahmoodian, nussatari (Claricia Parinussa), Seif Eddine Jlassi and Mousa Alnana.

Where We Meet responds to the potential for artists, creative practitioners and arts organisations to co-create inclusive spaces for healing and belonging. There is an urgent need to co-develop spaces to examine inequalities and perceived social differences – to exchange values, perspectives and forms of knowledge that nurture the imagined alternative realities and futures that can lift us up and guide us through the divisions of modern borders and polarised political systems.

Artists with lived experience of displacement play a huge role in enriching Scotland’s cultural output. For communities - social activities and creative endeavours, build understanding and nurture diversity. For individuals - arts activities can provide a means of communication that overcome language barriers, build skills and confidence and create opportunities for friendships and shared endeavour.

At the same time, the professional worlds of ‘arts and culture’ in the UK have been shaped by oppressive systems; racist imperialist legacies, class, patriarchy, ableism and processes of commodification. Too often diversity is seen as something ‘out-there’ to be invited in – an objectified unit of difference, rather than something which is essential to human society and wellbeing.

Where We Meet is based on years of work in arts and community development, of coming together, to strengthen creative networks, and to collectively voice and share advice and learning around managing and addressing barriers in arts and cultural industries. In doing this we hope to demystify some of the skills, processes and ethical considerations that contribute to modes of good practice within a growing, complex area.

The event will take place on Wednesday 12 June between 10:00 - 17:00 at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow. A light vegan and vegetarian lunch will be provided by Milk Café, and we will cover travel costs and organise interpreters for attendees who need it. See the full programme HERE.

Cross Borders is a programme of arts and cultural activism projects led by Scottish Refugee Council. These projects include mentoring, commissions and collaborations with artists, activists and cultural practitioners from refugee and other migrant backgrounds in Scotland. We advocate for the rights, care and protection of artists and activists whilst facilitating connections, support, exchange and artistic activity.