A.R.I.A. (Asylum seeker, Refugee and Immigrant Artists) Hub

The Pitch

Problem statement

2022 was a unique year, with a series of world events affecting long-term immigration to the UK, leading to a record increase of 1.2 million over the previous 12 months. 925,000 of these immigrants came from non-EU countries and those seeking protection and arriving on humanitarian routes increased from 9% to 19% over the same period, with 1 in 12 applying for asylum status. These immigrants joined the approximately 6 million people with non-British nationality already living in the UK. There are not official statistics regarding this, but among them there are many artists that often had to abandon they creative aspirations and careers when they left their countries.

Solution

We firmly believe that by nurturing the talent and creativity of asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrant artists, we preserve their identities as artists, priceless assets in their journeys to rebuild their lives and extraordinary gifts to the communities where they have found refuge. These artists face a multitude of challenges, including limited resources, language barriers, and discrimination, which can impede their artistic growth and social integration, often leading them to abandon their creative aspirations. Unlike short-term interventions or isolated activities found in other programs for displaced artists, A.R.I.A. offers comprehensive, long-term support.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Since its creation in 2021, WE RESTART has been committed to supporting artists at risk, particularly those from war zones or from areas affected by natural disasters. Our first action in 2021, was to support Nove Onlus (NGO) with the campaign #saveafghanwomen. In 2022, through the Secret Art campaign, we provided much-needed assistance to Ukrainian artists who had sought refuge in the UK. Thanks to the generous funds received, we were able to equip artists with essential materials to continue their artistic journeys. Following these campaigns, a large number of immigrant and refugee artists began to ask for our help, making us realize that there is a huge need for long-term support.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

15 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

In the next six months, our project aims to have a significant impact on the lives and artistic development of the four participating artists. The following are the expected impacts and measurable targets: 1. Artistic Growth and Development measured through artworks created, and the positive feedback received from mentors and peers. 2. Networking and Collaboration. Measurable targets: number of collaborations, of networking events attended, and the resulting opportunities created. 3. Increased Visibility and Recognition. Measurable targets: number of exhibitions, media coverage, and the increase in social media followers or website engagement. 4. Professional Development. Measurable targets: completion of specific workshops or training programs. 5. Social Integration and Empowerment. Measurable targets: level of engagement in community activities or initiatives, and their involvement in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the arts.

Track record

"Thank you very much for your faith and support in me as an artist. You can't even imagine how much it means to me. You do things that I could not even dream of." -Khrystyna Khmil, Ukrainian refugee artist We have been supporting Khrystyna since she first arrived in London last year. She fled Kyiv with her 2 children, while her husband became a soldier. Khrystyna is 30 years old. We organised 3 exhibitions, create networking opportunities, supported her with translations and provided a studio residency in Central London. We also bought all materials she needed to create the artworks, from canvasses to stretchers, colours and brushes. Thanks to our support, she could continue to work as an artist, sell artworks and provide for her children.

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