Refugees brush up on creativity to reflect journey and boost wellbeing

The artworks have been created by refugees and people seeking asylum and is reflective of the hardship, journeys and ultimate peace and happiness found in being given another chance at life – and art.
The free Second Chances exhibition is open open until June 25 and features artists including Anmar Al-Zuhairi, Feryal Mohammad Zadeh, Elham Marvi, Shiva Dadvar, Silva Karakhanian and Zuhir Youkhanna.
Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour says he is thrilled to see the artwork of new arrivals to Australia.
“For some of our new arrivals, the path to CBCity has not been an easy one. Art is such an important means of self-expression and this exhibition gives these artists the opportunity to share their remarkable and diverse work with a wider audience,” he said.
One group that has contributed to the exhibition is the Australian Rohingya Womens Development Organisation which has members based in Lakemba. Artist Nicole Barakat who worked with the Rohingya women on textile and ceramic works, was struck by how important making art was to the group.
“I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that art and creativity has and the ways it can transform everyday lives,” Nicole said.
“Creative projects offer a space for the community to come together in a social and fun space, to have a form of expression and a way of using their voice and being heard. Gathering and creating is a vital practice for our communities’ wellbeing,” she said