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HUMAN RIGHTS TODAY FESTIVAL AT THE O2 CENTRE IN CAMDEN
Human Rights Today Festival
LIVE PERFORMANCES, THEATRE, ART EXHIBITIONS, WORKSHOPS, FOOD AND MORE
Wednesday 18 June, 3.30–9pm
THE O2 CENTRE, 255 FINCHLEY ROAD, LONDON NW3 6LU
Free Entry
Join us for an inspiring day of exhibitions, performances, workshops and discussion to spotlight the cultural contributions and lived experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and the grassroots organisations supporting them in celebration of Refugee Week 2025. Curated and managed by WE RESTART – Art Centre of Sanctuary, Human Rights Today Festival will celebrate this year’s theme, Community as a Superpower, inviting local residents to come together in a celebration of the strength, creativity and vital role of community in welcoming and empowering displaced people.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, OPEN TO ALL AND HOSTED WITHIN THE O2 CENTRE FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.werest.art/hrt-festival-at-the-o2 www.o2centre.co.uk
Day Programme
Art Exhibition
3.30–9PM, ACROSS THE O2 CENTRE
Art exhibition featuring the history of the Human Rights Treaty and contemporary artworks from Iranian, Ukrainian and Sudanese artists.
Video Exhibition
3.30–9PM, IN THE HUB, LEVEL 1
A video exhibition from Human Rights Global, featuring artworks from artists and NGOs from around the world.
Community Art Project
3.30–9PM, ON THE GROUND FLOOR
Portrait(s) of Camden is a vibrant community art project: a quilt composed of 484 unique fabric portraits, each created by individuals during workshops held across Camden.
Embroidery Workshops
FROM 3.30PM ON A DROP-IN BASIS, ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Led by Families 4 Peace and Hopscotch.
Paper Workshops
FROM 3.30PM ON A DROP-IN BASIS, ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Led by Hone Books Galore transforming second hand and damaged books into beautiful paper sculptures.
Guided Tours of the Open-air Exhibition
3.30PM AND 6PM, MEETING POINT IN THE CAR PARK BEHIND CAR WASH
Two guided tours of a striking new hoarding installation that surrounds the site of the former Homebase led by Sarah MacDougall. The outdoor exhibition, curated by the Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, showcases works by artists with refugee and immigrant backgrounds.
Evening Programme
Panel Event Focusing on Human Rights
4.30PM, IN THE HUB, LEVEL 1
A panel discussion chaired by Ilaria Esposito from non-profit AICEM and supported by the Council of Europe, will bring together artists, community leaders and representatives from Camden Council to explore the importance of human rights and Camden’s role as a Borough of Sanctuary.
Live Music & Performance Pieces
6.30PM, ON THE LAWN, LEVEL 1
Live music and performance pieces, including a musical excerpt from “Still Here” by Unique Community, featuring asylum seekers and refugees from Ukraine and Iran.
Theatre & Food from Around the World
7-9PM, IN NUMBER 7, LEVEL 2
Number 7 will be transformed into a vibrant space featuring food from different global cuisines and information stalls, offering visitors the opportunity to meet the organisations driving change on the ground.
Performance from Zhvan Theatre Company
7.15–8PM, IN NUMBER 7, LEVEL 2
“Snakes and ladders”, written by Hameed Vojoudzoudeh and touching on the journey to safety for many asylum-seekers and migrants as they make their way across Europe.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, OPEN TO ALL AND HOSTED WITHIN THE O2 CENTRE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
www.werest.art/hrt-festival-at-the-o2
www. o2centre.co.uk
In The Mix
A taste from afar
“One day I will cook for you”. A phrase repeated by many Refugees and Asylum Seekers over the years as they live in limbo, invisible in hostels and hotels, with no access to kitchen facilities.
The IN THE MIX project was a direct response and surprisingly simple to set up. We started a weekly Community Meal for people local to the South Kilburn Estate. Every Wednesday an elected “Head Chef” cooked a meal from their country of origin, with 8 – 10 “sous chefs.” 60-80 people sat down for dinner, music, games and a chat.
As time passed we developed additional partnerships and connections, allowing us to run workshops, wellbeing events, and even a triathlon!
In The Mix is now working with young people housed by The Salvation Army, and has joined forces with 9Kitchens Catering – a social enterprise serving delicious, sustainable food made by our group of chefs.
Everyone is welcome at our table!
Instagram @Useful Productions
Zhvan Theatre Company
Snakes & Ladders by Hamed Yaseen
Zhvan Theatre Company was formed in 2022, developing from a weekly theatre class for asylum-seekers in Wembley. The aim is to give experience of theatre to asylum-seekers and refugees, and to create theatre which reflects upon aspects of the migrant situation. This production, for the first time, also includes others with an interest in or perspective upon the refugee situation in this country. Hamed Yaseen is Zhvan’s most committed and prolific member, having performed in all of their productions. Snakes and ladders is Zhvan’s fifth production, and Hamed’s first play. It focuses on the journey of so many migrants through Europe, and draws heavily on his own experiences on his journey from Iran to the UK. It is a powerful and eye-opening piece of theatre, showing both elements of the journey, and reflections upon that from a position of safety. The play is not quite complete. Hamed wanted to focus first upon the land journey across Europe, but the final part, telling of his journey to the UK, is yet to be written. Our hope is that we will refine and complete the story with a production later this year.
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