Art of Belonging Conference

In September 2024 Refugee Roots led a conference for the Art of Belonging Network and Consortium in partnership project with Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy. 

The morning started with an introduction and the story so far of Refugee Roots and the Art of Belonging. Our opening address from Tom Green of Counterpoint Arts share gave us a great chance to reflect on outcomes from research Counteproints had recently completed on the positive outcomes participatory arts can have for refugees. 

Emily from Take Note then took us through Collaboration and Partnership where we considered the theme "Exploring place-based fundraising and collaboration across region, especially in response to changes to Local Authority Culture budgets"

Our second workshop led by Emily explored the theme of "Exploring ways to support the wellbeing and resilience of arts fundraisers , practitioners, and organisations".  Midway through Anna Ball, HEAL CIC and Refugee Week shared with the room opportunities and ways to connect with Refugee Week. 

Our last session of the day led by Joanna McIntyre picked up on her conclusions beyond the research project "Art of Belonging" and looked at how do we involve the public in advocating support and involvement for the promotion of arts and culture for Refugees in the Nottingham area and the problem with “belonging” and how do overcome the challenges related to belonging? We closed the day with some finl thoughts, calls to action and sharing a poem that had been made over the lunch break. 

Already the group have been looking at joint fundraising initiatives since the conference, joined a regular mailing list which is now live and continued conversations that will bring change, hope and a greater sense of belonging for refugees in Nottingham through the arts. 

Keep in touch and follow the journey by joining the mailing list for all things "Art of Belonging"

Join today