25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 13 June 2025 13:45
The festival’s first day sees the official opening of a collaborative new exhibition, LIVE IN ART, at the CCA in Glasgow, showcasing the contemporary art work of displaced artists from Ukraine, Iran, Vietnam, Colombia, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The event is one of more than 150 running from today until 22 June involving artists and performers from 30 countries, as the festival marks its milestone 25th year of celebrating resilience, diversity and creativity.
The festival’s 2025 theme, Milestones, encourages participants and audiences to reflect on the decades of cultural contributions, achievements and challenges overcome by refugees and migrants. It comes as Scottish Refugee Council reaches its own milestone 40th anniversary.
For the next ten days, venues, arts centres, community spaces and stages across Scotland will be filled with the vibrant, moving and invaluable art and expression of New Scots voices.
Artist Syeda Sadaf Zaidi, who has curated the opening exhibition, LIVE IN ART, said: “LIVE IN ART is vibrant, diverse, and deeply personal. It brings together painting, sculpture, textiles, installation, and mixed media, each piece a reflection of the artist’s unique journey and voice. LIVE IN ART has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on. It is not just an exhibition of works, it’s people making space for each other, often for the first time. Festivals like this can open doors, especially for those of us usually shut out of the art world. So I’m showing up not just as an artist, but as someone rooting for others like me. I hope this Festival can be a place of visibility, celebration, and radical possibility.”
Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is not just a celebration of art, but a space where connections are formed, stories are shared, and voices are uplifted. Over the next ten days, there are hundreds of opportunities to experience everything from groundbreaking art exhibitions and world-first film screenings to family fun days and unique culinary experiences. I would like to thank all the artists and partners we have worked with to bring our 2025 festival to life for their incredible contributions and would encourage audiences across Scotland to join in the celebrations and discover something new.”
Scottish Refugee Council Chief Executive, Sabir Zazai said: “Reaching the 25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland is a moment of pride and reflection. This milestone is not just a testament to the power of creativity but also to the resilience, strength, and contributions of refugees and migrants who continue to enrich Scotland. The theme of ‘Milestones’ encourages us to recognise the incredible journeys, achievements, and challenges faced by New Scots over the decades. It also coincides with the Scottish Refugee Council’s 40th anniversary, marking four decades of standing in solidarity with those seeking safety and belonging. Art and culture have a unique way of bridging divides and fostering understanding, and this festival is a celebration of what we can achieve when we create and connect as one community. I invite everyone to join this powerful celebration of humanity, diversity and hope.”
Other highlights across the festival programme include the premiere of Bircan Birol’s empowering new film exploring versions of Glasgow through the unique experiences of four inspiring immigrants, Fragments of Gurbet, also at the CCA tonight. Inverness’ Eden Court will also host a special film event - the Building Solidarity & Kinship film screening will showcase a series of moving short films celebrating diversity and human connection, while Refugee Festival Scotland, in partnership with the RSNO, will stage music from Yemeni singer, songwriter and producer Intibint in Anderson on Sunday 15 June.
Africa Délice’s A Taste of Home cookery event in Glasgow will give people a chance to explore culture through food, while Perth’s A K Bell Library will host the launch of a special micro-exhibition and publication, To Gather, which facilitated by artist Saffa Khan showcases the clay creations of refugees and asylum seekers across Helensburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dumfries and Arbroath.
Over the last year, Scottish Refugee Council has helped more than 7000 people from 113 different nationalities to settle in Scotland and rebuild their lives here in peace and safety.
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council and runs across Scotland until Sunday 22 June. Full programme details are now online: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
XSite Braehead Summer Fest brings together thousands for an unforgettable weekend
XSite Braehead is thrilled to announce that this year's Summer Fest was a resounding success, with thousands of visitors across both days!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Renfrew welcomes top piping talent
Renfrew's Robertson Park was a sea of tartan on Saturday 19th July as Scotland's top pipers and drummers descended on the town for the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition.
READ MORE
BBC River City star Stephen Purdon joins the Go Radio Breakfast Show
Popular Scottish actor Stephen Purdon, best known for his long-standing role as Bob O'Hara in BBC soap River City, is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show.
READ MORE
Kilmacolm mum to take on Off the Beatson Track once again while undergoing cancer treatment
Eilidh Wilson, 49, from Kilmacolm, is preparing to take part in Off the Beatson Track again on Sunday 24th August while continuing treatment for secondary breast cancer.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has officially opened its doors at SEC Glasgow, following a sell out 14 week run in London
This award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Having a ball... free summer event at Braehead Shopping Centre extended
Braehead Shopping Centre, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has extended its hugely popular giant ball pit event until Sunday 3rd August!
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MORE
Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life
Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Renfrew set to welcome top Scottish pipers and drummers
Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 19th July.
READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme boasts success for third year
Thousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Major donation of Scottish artworks boosts Renfrewshire civic collection
A magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire launches Summer of Fun free activity programme
The new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
Thousands turn out to celebrate Sma Shot Day 2025
Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour
Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links