In-Between - Stories of a Refugee

Hosted by Medulla Art Gallery

Medulla Art Gallery is pleased to invite you to
IN-BETWEEN
STORIES OF A REFUGEE
Opening Reception: Thursday 4th July, 2019
Time: 7pm - 9pm

Address: #37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.
Contact: 1(868)680-1041, 1(868)622-1196 or [email protected]

Panel Discussion: Thursday 11th July, 2019 at 7pm
Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-2pm
Closing date: Thursday 25th July, 2019

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION:

“In-Between : Stories of a Refugee” is the culmination of a three day art therapy workshop which engaged asylum seeking children and adolescents aged 12-17 years old from five different countries. Through the process of art making on a large scale in the form of murals, these children were given the opportunity to explore different themes as it relates to their experiences as a “child on the move”. The workshop was facilitated by Kim Bryan, Art Psychotherapist and Sian MacLean, Psychotherapist and Art Therapist, in collaboration with Medulla Art Gallery, and supported by the Living Water Community; Ministry for Migrants and Refugees; together with Dean Arlen, Professional Artist, and Greisy Gonzalez, Psychologist.

Countries throughout the Caribbean are hosting an increasing numbers of refugees and asylum-seekers. At the end of 2019, the number of refugees and asylum-seekers originating from Venezuela alone is expected to reach an estimated 66,500 in Trinidad and Tobago, the highest intake ratio in the region. The protection situation for Venezuelans in the Caribbean is particularly dire; in the absence of functioning Government-led asylum systems or alternative legal pathways, Venezuelans live in situations of legal limbo and are extremely vulnerable to human smugglers and traffickers. Access to basic services is limited and the majority continue to live in the shadows, working in highly exploitative environments, suffering from discrimination and xenophobia. In addition children remain unable to access education.

“In-Between : Stories of a Refugee” is a timely initiative which aims to create public awareness and dialogue around the lived experiences of asylum-seeker and refugee children in Trinidad and Tobago. In conjunction with the three-week art exhibition there will be a moderated Panel Discussion comprised of therapists, artists, humanitarians and other professionals who are engaged in the field or are sensitive to the plight of child refugees.

As part of the overall exhibition experience and to encourage further dialogue there will be an ongoing interactive activity where the public will be invited to create a response to the children’s stories through art and creative expression.

Graphic Design : Richard Mark Rawlins