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This exhibition marks the culmination of my work with various community groups and a Summer residency at UAL, Peckham Levels.

With over fifteen years of experience as a video producer, my global journey as a storyteller has been dedicated to documenting the struggles of refugees worldwide. One constant truth has emerged through this work: the voices of those deeply affected by social and political upheaval are often spoken about, but seldom spoken to.

In March 2024, as part of the Creative Futures programme at UAL, I launched This Place Between Us, a platform designed to amplify refugee voices. This initiative was founded with the mission to empower refugees to share their own stories, in their own words, directly with those who can enact meaningful change—educators, employers, and policymakers. My goal is to foster a more inclusive, compassionate society by counteracting negative stereotypes and the harmful ‘othering’ of people. I believe deeply in the transformative power of storytelling to bridge divides and cultivate understanding. By presenting lived experiences to those in positions of influence, we can create a more empathetic and inclusive society.

The videos presented here are the result of a collaboration with West London Welcome, where I explored the critical work that community groups do to integrate refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants into society. These videos offer insight into the daily challenges and triumphs of these individuals, highlighting the essential role of community support in their journey toward integration.

The photographs on display were taken at Cranford College in Hounslow, capturing a diverse community where many have personal experiences with the refugee journey. These images were taken as participants were filmed reflecting on the recent UK riots, providing a poignant commentary on the impact of social unrest on marginalised communities. Additionally, the exhibition features photographs from Love Scripted, a stage performance written and performed by young people from DreamArts, an organisation that combines arts and therapy to support young people's wellbeing. This performance documents the challenges of arriving in a new country, capturing their struggles with identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of displacement.

This exhibition aims to illuminate the complexities of the refugee experience and highlight the crucial role of storytelling in fostering understanding and change. By merging creativity with social impact, we can transform knowledge into action and use storytelling as a powerful tool for change.