Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Established in the UK in 1998, Refugee Week is co-ordinated by Counterpoints Arts and takes place every year around World Refugee Day (20th June). It has grown into a global movement with over 2 million participants, across over 20 countries. Through an exciting programme of thousands of events, activities and media campaigns, Refugee Week brings together people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels, and foster a deeper understanding of why people are displaced, and the challenges they face when seeking safety.

Refugee Week 2026 will be 15-21st June with the theme of Courage.

By providing a platform for people who have sought sanctuary to share their experiences, perspectives and creative work on their own terms, our vision is for refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities, where they can continue to make a valuable contribution.

This year, Quentin Blake’s joyful illustrations will sit at the centre of the Simple Acts campaign — a series of nine everyday actions anyone can take to show solidarity with refugees and help build more welcoming communities. Blake’s bright, playful drawings will appear on postcards, posters and other materials for communities, schools, libraries , arts organisations and individuals to use at their own events.

Read more about Refugee Week, including how you can take part.