This project raises questions about the lived experiences of refugees on the Balkan Migration Route and will present a series of activities that will encourage you to think more deeply about what it means to be a refugee fleeing persecution.
Throughout the week, the projects hopes to open up discussions and debates about the refugee experience, the notion of transcending borders and to help people to think more deeply about what it means to be a refugee in the modern world.
There will also be crafting activities including a quilting project within which we ask visitors to share their views on refugee movement. Alongside these daily interactions special talks and events will take place at the following times:
Tuesday 13th, Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November
13.00-14.00: A walking tour of the Balkan Routes. Introducing the presentation and the research at the core of the work - a walking tour of the photographs and installation with Amanda Russell Beattie (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe), Gemma Bird (The University of Liverpool, Europe and the World Centre), Jelena Obradovic-Wochnik (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe) and Patrycja Rozbicka (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe).
Friday 16th November
15.00-16.00: In Conversation with Vicki Squire (The University of Warwick) talking about her research on City Plaza squat in Athens and debunking the myths around migration. Discussion to be facilitated by Gemma Bird (University of Liverpool, Europe and the World Centre).
Saturday 17th November
10.00-11.00: Children's story time time, crafts and readings from refugee journeys.
12.00-13.00: In conversation with activists. Jelena Obradovic-Wochnik (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe) talk to invited guests. An opportunity to talk to activists and volunteers supporting refugees who struggle to make impermanent lives in hot spots in Greece, Serbia and Bosnia. Invited guests include Anouk Theunissen (Samos Volunteers), Karolina Augustova (Aston University, No Name Kitchen), Thom Davies (University of Nottingham, No Name Kitchen), Arshad Isakjee (University of Liverpool, No Name Kitchen).
14.00-15.00: In conversation with activists. Amanda Russell Beattie (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe) and Patrycja Rozbicka (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe) talk to invited guests. A second opportunity to talk to activists and volunteers supporting refugees who struggle to make impermanent lives in hot spots in Greece, Serbia and Bosnia. Invited guests include Anouk Theunissen (Samos Volunteers), Karolina Augustova (Aston University, No Name Kitchen), Thom Davies (University of Nottingham, No Name Kitchen), Arshad Isakjee (University of Liverpool, No Name Kitchen).
15.00-16.00: Children's story time, crafts and readings from refugee journeys.
Sunday 18th November
10.00-11.00: A walking tour of the Balkan Routes. Introducing the presentation and the research at the core of the work - a walking tour of the photographs and installation with Amanda Russell Beattie (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe), Gemma Bird (The University of Liverpool, Europe and the World Centre), Jelena Obradovic-Wochnik (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe) and Patrycja Rozbicka (Aston University, Aston Centre for Europe).
11.30-15.30: Conflict embroidery workshop with Berit Bliesemann de Guevara (Aberystwyth University) and Gillian McFayden (Aberystwyth University).
This project is presented by University of Liverpool, an Associate of Tate Exchange Liverpool, with Gemma Bird (University of Liverpool), Amanda Russell Beattie (Aston University), Patrycja Rozbicka (Aston University) and Jelena Obradovic-Wochnik (Aston University).