Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 18 June 2025 11:01
Taking place on Thursday 19 June at Listen Gallery, the Building Solidarity & Kinship literary performance nightwill showcase a series of poetry readings and spoken word performances from an impressive line-up of poets and spoken word artists.
Specially curated by the festival’s Programming Fellow, creative writer and researcher Esraa Husain, the event aims to platform diverse and underrepresented voices in Glasgow.
Performers including multi-disciplinary artist Saoirse Amira Anis, Yemeni poet and filmmaker Sawsan Al Areeqe, Scottish-Palestinian writer Amira Al Shanti, Scottish-Pakistani artist Aqsa Arif and Black Scottish comedian-poet Flora Weideger, will explore themes of kinship, refuge, migration, and self-expression through their powerful, moving pieces.
The event, presented in partnership with the Listen Gallery and the Scottish BPOC Writers Network, was inspired by Esraa’s own experiences of immigration and the need for communities to find belonging. This event will be documented and photographed by Somali-born and Glasgow-based creative Najma Abukar.
Refugee Festival Scotland Programming Fellow Esraa Husain said: “As a poet myself, I’m a big believer that art and poetry can create spaces where complicated feelings can be expressed and explored beyond simple language. Poetry can be a tool for healing and a vehicle for solidarity. This event is about celebrating the richness of diverse backgrounds, generations and experiences.
“I would urge people to come with an open mind and join us for what will be a special evening of poetry and dialogue in a space where they can share stories, feel seen and discover something new for Refugee Festival Scotland’s milestone 25th year.”
Accessibility lies at the core of the event, with option to book a free ticket or donate to the Listen Gallery. This venue is wheelchair accessible and a dedicated wellbeing officer, Thierry Fotso from LGBT Health and Wellbeing on hand to provide support to participants and attendees. Attendees will also gather for a community meal provided by the Listen Gallery team.
This year marks a significant milestone for Refugee Festival Scotland as it celebrates 25 years of celebrating art, culture and community and marks the 40th anniversary of Scottish Refugee Council.
This event is one of more than 150 taking place across Scotland, most of which are free to attend, and involving artists and performers from more than 30 countries.
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Full programme details are now online: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk.
The Building Solidarity & Kingship: Sound Performance event takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday 19 June at Listen Gallery, Glasgow.
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