Have you ever wondered what it’s like having to suddenly flee your country, to leave everything and everyone you’ve ever known behind and set out on an arduous and dangerous journey into the unknown?

We’re proud to be working with an extraordinary group of young adult refugees from all over the world who have produced a thought provoking new art exhibition documenting their own personal journeys into the unknown and beyond.

Many of them are survivors of torture and have lost family and friends.

Through their artwork and writing, the artists want to share what it is like to be a refugee adjusting to a new life in the UK as they seek to come to terms with their past, deal with present challenges, and build a future.

After the physical dangers of exodus are past, there is still a deep pain to be endured as they come to terms with the fact that they have left behind friends, family and culture.

All of the artists’ journeys are personal. All tell of experiences making a life in a new country where they do not always feel welcome or believed. There is no going back.

Angel was born in Uganda. Her work explores the pain and struggle which refugees endure on the long road to finding a safe country where they can rebuild their lives. It emphasises the loneliness and fragility of human existence in foreign places.

Danial is originally from Iran. He dreams of resuming his studies to become an electrician one day. His work is simply about freedom.

All of the art works are original, captivating and raw responses to the broad theme of ‘The Journey’, born out of the need and want to tell a story, to engage people and provide a window into the world of that of a refugee.

These are portrayals of real stories, happening to real people, and they need to be heard.

We invite you to come and listen.

This exhibition runs from 21 – 25 October, 9am – 5pm at Southwark Council Head Office and from 20 November – 2 December at the Saatchi Gallery.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support:

• B&Q Peckham
• Boscos Services Autos
• Discount Banner Printing
• Lend Lease
• Saatchi Gallery
• Southwark Council & Cllr Martin Seaton
• Tigris Local Store
• Walworth Garden Farm
• All the volunteers who have helped to make this project a success.

Thank you to Discount Banner Printing for printing our brochures.