An inspiring day of exhibitions, performances, workshops and discussion to spotlight the cultural contributions and lived experiences of refugees, asylum seekers and the grassroots organisations supporting them across north London. As part of London Refugee Week 2025, the day long festival will be coming to the O2 Centre on Wednesday 18 June, from 3:30pm to 9:00pm.
Curated and managed by WE RESTART – Art Centre of Sanctuary, Human Rights Today Festival will celebrate this year’s theme, Community as a Superpower, inviting local residents to come together in a celebration of the strength, creativity and vital role of community in welcoming and empowering displaced people.
Kicking off from 3:30pm, the event programme will feature a range of interactive workshops and powerful visual art installations curated by artists and collectives working directly with refugee communities. At 4:30pm, a panel discussion chaired by non-profit AICEM and supported by the Council of Europe, will bring together artists, community leaders and representatives from Camden Council to explore the importance of human rights and Camden’s role as a Borough of Sanctuary.
The evening will include live music and performance pieces hosted in Number 7 at the O2 Centre, including a musical excerpt featuring asylum seekers from Ukraine and Iran, and a powerful play from Zhvan Theatre Company that touches on the journey to safety for many people seeking asylum.
Alongside the day’s events, there will be a chance to hear the stories behind the artwork in a powerful new open-air exhibition curated by the Ben Uri Gallery and Museum and displayed on the hoarding of the former Homebase site. The exhibition showcases works by a selection of artists from refugee and immigrant backgrounds who have lived and worked in north London, honouring their major contribution to British visual culture. Guided tours led by the Ben Uri team will take place throughout the day, offering a chance to reflect on the importance of family, home, identity, culture and freedom, themes highlighted in the works.
All events are free and open to all. More information on each event can be found here: www.o2centre.co.uk/en/event-listing-page/human-rights-today-festival
Cristina Cellini Antonini, Head of Strategy and Fundraising at WE RESTART – Art Centre of Sanctuary, said:
“This is a very special year for us, as WE RESTART has been officially recognised as an Art Centre of Sanctuary – a milestone that affirms our deep commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for people seeking refuge. We are honoured to partner with the O2 Centre to mark Refugee Week 2025, alongside so many powerful organisations and community leaders. This year’s theme, Community as a Superpower, resonates deeply with our mission. It reminds us that when we stand together – across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences – we can build a more compassionate and inclusive future.”
