DLWP X The Refugee Buddy Project World Refugee Day On The Rooftop Foyer

Led by Alina Khrebtova,  a St Leonards-based creative and photographer

Alina says:
“Summer is the perfect season for planting seeds and spending time in the garden. After discovering how positively greenery has affected my own mental health, I wanted to share this experience with others. Observing nature and watching it transform reminds me that life is a continuous process and helps me stay present in the moment. In this workshop, you will explore different ways of decorating pots and plant your own seeds in a beautifully decorated pot to take home.”

Led by Cai Ashara

Design their very own “Djurkin” mask based on feelings, words, music or even just how you think you would look as an animal! There are three simple cardboard mask bases to choose from, and a huge variety of materials to decorate them with. Once you are done, you will give the mask a name, and even an occupation if you’d like. Each mask will be pinned to a cork board as a sign of bringing the new community together

Cai Ashara is a classically trained Musician, and Costume Designer. She performs solo and with bands under the alias “Dangie” online and in local bars in Folklore-esque costumes that she handmakes from both old and new materials. Part of her Costume making, and what she’s mostly known for, is mask creation. Cai has also started a small community of artists, musicians and writers, hoping to eventually help create more free opportunities for young people in the arts. The masks Cai makes are all part of a fictional community of creatures called “The Djurkin” – the name of these folk was derived from the Swedish word “Djur”, meaning Animal, and the word “Kin” (family). Community is extremely important in their way of life, without it, they wouldn’t be able to survive – they need each other, just like how we ourselves need community and it’s just as important in our own lives!

Led by Julia García López

According to Guatemalan tradition, you can keep all your worries away if you tell a “Worry Doll” to guard them before bed. In this creative workshop, suitable for children of all ages and families, you will learn how to wrap and build your own guardian using sustainable, organic materials. Explore the meaning of Courage, share a story, and take your custom made worry doll home to keep you safe!

Julia García López is a visual designer and artist with a degree in Fine Arts, whose practice lies at the intersection of traditional visual arts and digital experimentation. Originally from Seville, Spain, and with four years of experience living and exhibiting in the UK, Julia brings an international and multidisciplinary perspective design. Follow her story at theartEofjulia.es

Led by Fatima El Khaldi

Join this workshop led by Fatima to make individual and collective collage pieces on the Refugee Week theme of courage using cut-out magazines, coloured and tissue paper.

All materials will be provided.

With Marwah Bencaid

Marwah Bencaid is a young artist who primarily works with ceramics, acrylics, fabric and henna. Her focus this year has been on the integration of organic, natural shapes with geometric Moroccan tile mosaics. Henna has a rich history, from South Asian to North African cultures across the centuries. At Marwah’s workshop, you can get your own henna done while learning more about the different styles and their origin.