Gateshead celebrates Refugee Week with community, culture and compassion 

Gateshead Council is proud to be support Refugee Week 2025 (16 to 22 June), a UK-wide festival that celebrates the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.   

This year's theme, 'Community as a Superpower', celebrates the strength we find in one another and the power of working together. It invites everyone to recognise and build the connections that help us create welcoming, inclusive communities.  

Last month, an art exhibition, a collaborative project by Time to Help and Human Rights Solidarity, two UK-based charities working in humanitarian aid and human rights advocacy, was displayed in the Civic Centre and was officially opened by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes. The art exhibition, Humanity Cartoons, uses the universal language of art to raise awareness of the challenges faced by migrants and asylum seekers across the globe.    

Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Geddes, said: "In an increasingly unstable world, the art of the exhibition encapsulates both simple and extremely complicated social, political and human stories. It reminds us and raises our awareness of the challenges, fears and uncertainties of being a migrant and refugee."  

With over 1,200 works submitted by 768 artists from around the world, the exhibition presents a curated selection of powerful cartoon illustrations exploring the themes of migration, displacement, and human rights. Each piece tells a story of courage, hardship, injustice, and hope - amplifying the voices of those forced to flee their homes in search of safety and dignity.   

During this year's Refugee Week, a diverse programme of free inclusive events will take place across Gateshead, developed in collaboration with the council's Refugee and Migration team, local community groups, venues, artists and residents. Activities range from creative workshops and cultural exhibitions to family fun days, film screenings and public art.  

Highlights of the week include:  

• A Superhero Picnic Party at Bensham Grove Community Centre  (Wristband only event - contact the Community Centre directly for more information)

• To Own Both Nothing and the Whole World - A new public artwork by Henna Asikainen & Roua Horanieh at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art  

• Comfrey Communi-Tea: Gateshead Library Takeover  

Councillor John Adams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: "Refugee Week is a time to come together in the welcoming spirit of community. Gateshead has a proud history of supporting people seeking safety and new beginnings. This year's theme reminds us of the strength we gain when we support each other, and the events reflect our shared commitment to compassion, inclusion and celebration."  

Gateshead Council recognises the courage and resilience of people forced to rebuild their lives. By supporting Refugee Week, we aim to bring people together to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and find strength in what unites us - building our community superpowers.  

Find out about the events across the borough below.