Arnolfini has become the first arts organisation in Bristol to be recognised as an Arts Centre of Sanctuary – a national award celebrating our commitment to being a welcoming space for all people seeking sanctuary.
This recognition reflects years of collaborative work with sanctuary seekers, community groups and partner organisations, united by a shared belief in the power of art to foster connection, understanding and hope.
Since 2020, we have been working with sanctuary seekers and organisations such as Bridges for Communities, Bristol Refugee Festival, Latinas In Bristol and the Bristol Refugee Artists Collective to co-create exhibitions, workshops and events – not only at our Bristol Harbourside home, but across the wider South West.
These partnerships have become a vital strand of our programme, reshaping how we think, listen and engage. An example is a current exhibition Como la Cigarra, created by Latinas in Bristol. The exhibition is a moving tribute to resilience and a testament to what is possible when communities are empowered to tell their own stories in their own voices.
Since 2024, we committed to deepening this work by rebuilding our welcome to sanctuary seekers across every part of the organisation. As part of this, we partnered with Bridges for Communities and Sally Azzam Cooke, community curator and trustee of Bristol Palestine Film Festival, to deliver a year-long Cultural Awareness training programme for all staff, ensuring we continue to evolve as a place of learning, respect and sanctuary.
From free creative workshops and community-led exhibitions to artist development and practical support for newcomers to the city, our commitment is ongoing and growing.
“We are so honoured by this award, which has only been possible through the incredible support and collaboration of our community partners,” said Keiko Higashi, Head of Engagement. “This work has become a core part of who we are – helping us to become not only a more empathetic organisation, but also a more collaborative and open one.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and organisations who have been part of this journey with us – including Bridges for Communities, Bristol Refugee Festival, Second Step, Latinas In Bristol and many more.
For more information about how you can get involved – click here.
Wherever we come from, we all have a right to feel safe. That’s why city by city, community by community, City of Sanctuary are building a more welcoming UK for people rebuilding their lives here. We work alongside people seeking sanctuary to bring together local groups, organisations, and institutions to build a society where everyone, irrespective of where they are from, can participate fully, share their talents, and shape the future of our communities.
