Spirit of Welcome Offers Cultural Exchange
The Spirit of Welcome Festival in Sydney will showcase the talents of refugee artists on 14th June 2026 at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre in Lilyfield, NSW.
SSI and Inner West Council have organised this cross-cultural event, providing a platform for artists like Afghan painter Rodaba Qureshi. She continues her work while her family remains in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Rodaba, alongside other artists such as self-taught Burmese photographer Wei Yan Minn, will use the festival to express their experiences and challenges through art. Musicians from SSI’s refugee band will also perform, adding to the cultural tapestry.
Festival Highlights Diverse Talents
The festival will feature a range of visual art, music, and cultural exchanges. It is co-designed and led by individuals from refugee backgrounds, creating paid opportunities for artists and cultural workers. This practical demonstration of the arts helps build economic independence and community connections.
Ghassan Said, SSI’s Creative Compass programme lead, emphasised the festival’s role in economic empowerment. He remarked, “The event demonstrates how the arts can build economic independence and connect communities.”
Moones Mansoubi, SSI’s lead for Women, Youth, and Communities at the Community Refugee Welcome Centre, will provide insights on the event’s impact and significance. She will explore how such initiatives foster inclusion and diversity.
The Spirit of Welcome Festival, running from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, promises a visually rich experience with photography opportunities across various artistic and cultural displays. Attendees can engage in cultural exchanges and enjoy performances by musicians from diverse backgrounds.
Settlement Services International (SSI) delivers a range of human services connecting individuals, families, and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities. Their programmes include settlement support, disability programmes, and training and employment pathways.
Hannah Gartrell, Head of Executive Communications and Media at SSI, can be contacted for more information. She highlights the festival as a testament to the power of art in fostering social bonds and economic opportunities. It reflects SSI’s commitment to equality, empathy, and the celebration of every individual.
For more information about the festival and its participants, visit the event link at https://events.humanitix.com/spirit-of-welcome-community-festival-2026.
