Refugee Week
20 - 26 June
Refugee Week is a nationwide initiative that celebrates the contributions of refugees to the UK and encourages better understanding between communities.
This year, The Higgins Bedford, BRASS (Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support), Bedford Creative Arts and St Paul’s Church have worked together to provide in-person events and online content to mark Refugee Week.
Body & Soul Study Day
Saturday 25 June, 11am-4pm
£20 per person - Booking Essential
As part of the Body & Soul exhibition, the Study Day includes a fascinating talk by Dr Charlotte Grant, Senior Lecturer in English at NCH and granddaughter of the artist Martin Bloch. Dr Grant will share stories of the pioneering women in the Bloch family who escaped persecution in Nazi Germany, including her grandmother Charlotte whose portrait is on display in the exhibition.
See the full programme of the day with talks and a guided tour.
MIDAIR - An Evening of Spoken Word and Poetry at St Paul's Church
Saturday 25 June, 7pm-9pm
Free Entry - Booking Essential
Come along to St Paul's Church for an evening of spoken word and poetry inspired by the themes of connection, healing, displacement, memory and visibility.
MIDAIR (a space co-created by artist Jeff Jacques and those who identify as migrants) brings visibility to the experiences of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to enable connections with the larger community.
This event combines spoken word, poetry and singing to create a space for dialogue and creativity. Local poets and performers are also invited to get involved. Find out more and book tickets.
Refugee Week Padlet
Free Online Display
Martin Bloch (1883 – 1954), Portrait of the Artist's Wife, Charlotte, c.1921 © Martin Bloch Trust
See objects, photographs and artworks from The Higgins Bedford's collections relating to displacement, migration and experience of being a refugee.
View the display online.
Dreams: A Surviving to Thriving UpRising UK Film
BRASS Interview with Father Luke Larner
St Paul's Assistant Curate Luke Larner discusses the work of charity BRASS (Bedford Refugee & Asylum Support) with its founder Brian Cunningham.
Watch more videos here