BALTIC exhibition created by refugees to show reality of navigating UK asylum system
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveAn exhibition created by refugees and asylum seekers is set to go on display at the Baltic, aiming to show the reality of the UK's "inhumane" asylum system.
We All Came Here from Somewhere spotlights the people, practice and rituals that create a culture of welcome for those seeking sanctuary in the region through photographs, stories and objects. It also explores how the North East can welcome refugees and asylum seekers.
The exhibition is a collaboration between North Tyneside campaign and community group Walking With, supported by Campaign group Asylum Matters. The two groups worked with award-winning photographer and refugee Sadia Sikandar.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Sadia was forced to seek asylum in the UK in 2018, and in the following six years was made homeless and banned from doing the work she loves. Sadia said: "In my home country I had a job, a car and a home, but I lacked freedom and peace of mind.
"My life was in danger, which is something people need to understand. Asylum seekers are often viewed as though we come from impoverished or jobless backgrounds, but in reality, I had a very good status in Pakistan.
"I came here because my life was at risk. For those of us who seek asylum, it often means going from having everything to having nothing.
"This experience strips away our dignity, honour and self-respect. I submitted a new asylum application, which was also initially rejected, but was eventually granted on appeal."
Sadia was granted Leave to Remain in the UK earlier this year, and now teaches at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow, where she lives. However, she has spent lots of time in the North East ahead of the exhibition, visiting Walking With's Wallsend headquarters and taking pictures of group members on Seaton Sluice Beach in Northumberland.
Clare Campbell, operations manager at Walking With, said: "The idea for this work was borne of the frustration, helplessness and despair felt by so many of our asylum seekers. They feel forced to leave their homes, jobs and sometimes families to escape torture, persecution and war.
"They arrive here hoping for a safer, better life. In the event, many then find themselves crushed by our asylum process.
"They become trapped in a world of poverty with no dignity and no chance to use their many skills as they wait – often for many years – for a Home Office decision on their asylum claim. All too often their mental health gives way before that decision is made.
"Stress, fear and uncertainty are part and parcel of our system of asylum. The experiences of so many seeking sanctuary here can leave us in no doubt – our asylum system is inhumane and must be changed."
We All Came Here from Somewhere will showcase artwork, objects and stories at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on the Quayside from November 23 to February 9, 2025.
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