Wish You Were Here

About

150 artists are selling work to raise vital funds for charity Art Refuge, including Grayson Perry, Jeremy Deller, Julian Opie, Eileen Cooper, Cornelia Parker, Rana Begum, Richard Deacon, Majid Adin, Alison Wilding, Derek Boshier, and Januário Jano among others.

The selling exhibition of postcard-sized artworks takes place at Yorkton Workshops in Hackney, 1-4 December. Postcards have a resonance in our work with refugees and those in transit. Here, this takes the form of a box of postcards from around the world. Postcards are traditionally sent from one person to another as a form of communication, often across national borders. They also act as social tools, visual engagement and reminders of a place, person or object which may be longed for. 

Art Refuge uses art and art therapy to support the mental health and well-being of people displaced due to conflict, persecution and poverty, both in the UK and internationally. Art Refuge’s work ranges from crisis support on either side of the English Channel (Paris, Calais, Folkestone); film animation in London; training and support for volunteers, carers, NHS and other humanitarian workers; public awareness raising; research; publications and exhibitions. 

The work builds on people’s capacity to cope with stress, to hold onto imagination and to find resilience through community and connection. This has never been more critical in the UK than currently. The hostile environment towards refugees impacts directly and adversely on the mental and physical health of those seeking safety and protection on our shores. This will get much worse if the new Nationality and Borders Bill is passed in Parliament.

The exhibition takes place at Yorkton Workshops, 1-3 Yorkton Street London E2 8NH. Book your free ticket at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/art-refuge-wish-you-were-here-tickets-204399152367

Find out more at www.artrefuge.org.uk