Community as Superpower!
This year’s theme for Portsmouth Refugee Week is ‘Community as Superpower’ with exciting events designed and led by 432 Nomads in collaboration with local artists working with Portsmouth’s migrant community. The Refugee Week events are all part of an exciting new long term initiative devised by 432 Nomads called Our Sanctuary – Ocean of Voices funded by Arts Council England.
There will be a variety of diverse creative events taking place across multiple sites that will celebrate the contributions, resilience, and cultural richness of asylum seekers and refugees in our community.
Refugee Week will be kicked off by a launch event on Monday 16th June, taking place at St Luke’s Church in Southsea. Join us for a night of celebration and solidarity as we start the week with live music, delicious food and inspiring stories. Don’t miss out on this impactful evening! To book your place at the Refugee Week launch night visit Refugee Week Launch night.
Other events taking place during the week range from a poetry evening and music performances to coffee shop conversations and art exhibitions. The full description of Refugee Week events can be viewed and booked here – Eventbrite Collection.
Venues include St Luke’s Church, Aspex Gallery, Hunter Gatherer, The Base at Portsmouth Guildhall, The Canteen, Portsmouth Central Library and Coastguard Studio. The week-long programme aims to promote understanding, empathy and integration, whilst raising awareness of the challenges faced by individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary Chair of trustees, Shamila Dhana said “This year’s Refugee Week is my favourite because it not only recognises displaced sanctuary seekers but recognises the communities that come together to help them. I’d like to thank these unsung heroes who provide so much support and kindness, opening their doors as a community superpower.”
The events will feature creative work by school children, poets, musicians, rappers, dancers, storytellers, visual artists and members of community groups.
All events are free with the option to donate when attending, which will be gratefully received. Anything given goes towards a range of initiatives delivered by Portsmouth City of Sanctuary to improve the wellbeing of people seeking sanctuary. If you can’t attend any of the events, you can donate here via the our website.
Creative Producer of 432 Nomads, Majid Dhana, explains “In the heart of the city, we invite everyone to come together with friends, family, and the community to show support for refugees and their stories. Let’s come together to embrace diversity and promote inclusivity.”
Portsmouth Refugee Week hopes to raise awareness and recognise the strength and potential of refugees. If you are an individual, business, community organization or educational institution and would like to get involved in activities that embrace diversity and empower all, irrespective of their background, please come along to Refugee Week Portsmouth 2025 or get in touch with Portsmouth City of Sanctuary by emailing [email protected].
Refugee Week Launch:
Date: Mon Jun 16, 2025
Location: St Luke’s Church Greetham Street, Portsmouth, PO5 4LH
Time: 5pm to 6.30pm (Food to be served), 7pm to 9pm (Performance)
Tickets: Refugee Week Launch night.
Other Refugee Week Events 16-22 June 2025:
Tuesday, 17 June, 7-9pm: Poetry: Progressive Whispers, The Canteen
Wednesday, 18 June, 7-9pm: Dance: A wave of Shadows, Coastguard Studio
Thursday, 19 June, 12-1.30pm: Coffee Shop Conversations, St Luke’s Church
Thursday, 19 June, 6pm: Young Refugees and Young People: A Wave of Ocean’s Ink, The Base, Portsmouth Guildhall
Friday 20 June, 11am-2pm Special Effects Trauma Make-up Workshop, Portsmouth Central Library
Friday, 20 June, 2-3.30pm: Coffee Shop Conversations, Aspex Portsmouth
Friday, 20 June, 7-9pm: Culture: Displaced Messages, Hunter Gatherer
Saturday, 21 June, 12-3pm: Drumming: Breath, The Base Portsmouth Guildhall
Sunday, 22 June, 11.30-2pm: Closing Event: Ripples Many Streams, art exhibition, Aspex Portsmouth
