
Poetry event celebrating diversity is set for Glasgow
The Building Solidarity & Kinship literary performance night will be held on Thursday, June 19, at Listen Gallery as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
The event begins at 6.30pm.
This event will feature a series of poetry readings and spoken word performances by various poets and spoken word artists.
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Curated by the festival's programming fellow, creative writer, and researcher Esraa Husain, the event is set to provide a platform for underrepresented voices in Glasgow.
Among the performers are 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.
They will be delving into themes of kinship, refuge, migration, and self-expression.
Ms 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."
The event, a partnership with Listen Gallery and the Scottish BPOC Writers Network, will be documented by Somali-born and Glasgow-based creative Najma Abukar.
Accessibility is a priority with free ticket options and wheelchair access.
Attendees will also share in a community meal provided by Listen Gallery's team.
As Refugee Festival Scotland celebrates 25 years, including the 40th anniversary of the Scottish Refugee Council, this event is just one of over 150 happening across Scotland, many of which are free to attend.
Ms Husain urged people to "come with an open mind and join us for what will be a special evening of poetry and dialogue."
The programme details are available at refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk.
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