On Thursday 11th July, 2019, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, a panel discussion will take place at Medulla Art Gallery as part of its latest exhibition entitled “IN-BETWEEN STORIES OF A REFUGEE”.
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 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.
Children have been invited to share their stories in the first half of the panel discussion. The second half will feature therapists, artists, humanitarians and other professionals who are engaged in the field or are sensitive to the plight of child refugees. Documentary Filmmaker, Rhonda Chan Soo (MA, Documentary Film), will contribute to the conversation in sharing about her film, Nearest Neighbours, which explores the experiences of Venezuelan refugees and asylum-seekers in Trinidad and Tobago.
You can find more details on the event and exhibition here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/422435945276313/
IN-BETWEEN STORIES OF A REFUGEE
Opening Reception: Thursday 4th July, 2019
Address: Medulla Art Gallery | #37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.
Contact: 1(868)6801041, 1(868)622 1196 or medullaartgallery@gmail.com
Panel Discussion: Thursday 11th July, 2019 at 7pm
Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-2pm
Closing date: Thursday 25th July, 2019