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| Issue : February/March 2001 | |||
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Asylum Seekers | ||
| » Show of culture at City Hall: |
Around 800 asylum seekers, refugees and members of the local community have come together for a celebration of cultural diversity at the City Hall.
Fusion brought together British and Kurdish poets, actors, musicians and dancers for the first event of its kind to be held in the city. The event, organised by Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Kingston upon Hull (ARKH), featured a varied programme put together by sculptor and artist Adalet Garmiany and Nahro Zagross, a renowned classical musician from Iraq. " We have left everything behind - our family, friends, work … our homeland " Highlights included a powerful piece of drama portraying the political persecution suffered by many Kurds in Iraq and 'Yorkshire Curd', a multi-cultural ensemble of Kurdish, South African and British musicians. This was followed by an hour of traditional Kurdish dancing with asylum seekers showing locals some steps. Mr Garmiany, a refugee and one of ARKH's directors, said: "We wanted to show British people that we have our own cultures but that we can also work well with local groups." He added: "People in Hull should be aware of the reasons for seeking asylum in the first place. We have left everything behind - our family, friends, work … our homeland." ARKH was set up to promote the integration of asylum seekers and refugees in the city. The organisation is looking for volunteers to help out at its regular pop-ins at Beverley Road Community Centre, where asylum seekers receive advice on a range of legal, health and social issues. Volunteers are also needed for befriending and outreach work. Full training will be given. Please ring 440285 or 07768 725727 for further details. Warren to host art link-up A University of Lincolnshire and Humberside student and a Kurdish asylum seeker have teamed up for a unique exhibition at The Warren.
Fine arts student Claire Morrison has been documenting the life and work of Iraqi artist Soran Saber Mohammed. Her photographs and video footage will be displayed together with Soran's paintings at the exhibition in March. For further details, contact Winnie Fenton, tel. 218115
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