ArtReach has secured funding from Arts Council England for the continued coordination and development of the Platforma Arts and Refugee Network in the East Midlands.
Platforma is a national network of artists and organisations whose work touches on the varied experiences of refugees both before and after they arrived in the UK. The network seeks to support and mainstream refugee and migrant related arts, bringing together a vibrant mix of diverse artists that have settled in the UK from across the world.
Funding from the Arts Council will enable ArtReach to facilitate a programme of vibrant live music and spoken word events, visual arts exhibitions and moving image screenings. Working closely with a group of organisations and partner venues, ArtReach hopes to bring the work of refugee and migrant artists into mainstream arts venues across the East Midlands.
The first live music performances will take place during the upcoming ArtReach event, Night of Festivals 2012, which takes place during Refugee Week and which has been included in the prestigious group of events and projects that make up the London 2012 Festival – the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration from 21 June and running until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.
Alongside the artistic programme, ArtReach, in partnership with Long Journey Home, will run regular meetings with a focus on providing support and training opportunities for artists in the network.
The latest news from the network and detailed information about opportunities to exhibit/perform at Platforma events will be circulated through the Platforma website and by email through the Platforma mailing list.
For more information about how you can get involved with the East Midlands Platforma Network, and to join our mailing list, please email Hannah Stretton on
Website: www.platforma.org.uk
Facebook: /PlatformaArts
Twitter: @PlatformaArts
Platforma Arts and Refugee Network has been developed in partnership between Refugee Week UK and Oval House Theatre, and supported by The Baring Foundation and Arts Council England.
