Refugees are not the cause of the UK’s broken asylum system, nor of rising racism, populism or inequality. These issues have deep structural roots and have been compounded over many years by policies that have failed to meet people’s needs — including the latest government proposals.
From our work alongside refugee and migrant artists, we see clearly how these proposals will heighten fear, uncertainty and division. They risk pushing people who have already endured trauma into greater instability, while making integration and community cohesion harder for everyone
Counterpoints Arts collaborates each year with hundreds of artists and cultural practitioners whose contributions to culture, communities and the economy are both tangible and transformative. Their experiences – alongside the evidence from our programmes – tell us that punitive, headline-driven approaches will only deepen the challenges facing our country.
Our core values compel us to speak out when policy threatens the rights, dignity and futures of the people we work with. These proposals do exactly that.
It is within this hostile and fractured environment that we have chosen COURAGE as the theme for next year’s Refugee Week festival. At a time when some seek to divide or blame, we issue a call to come together – to share the courage to welcome, to stand up for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community.
We encourage colleagues across the arts, culture and beyond to choose COURAGE by:
- Programming and amplifying artists from refugee and diverse backgrounds, whose work brings new perspectives to displacement and continues to shape our shared cultural story.
- Speaking publicly in favour of humane, evidence-based approaches grounded in dignity and human rights.
- Standing with migrant-rights organisations leading vital work across the sector.
Refugees are not an exception or a threat. They are an essential part of who we are. Our communities, industries and cultural future are stronger when we stand with them.
